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i 


Married against Reason. 

t 

,lr 


ADELHEID SHELTON-MACKENZIE. 



■'/ ' 

LORING, Publisher, 

319 Washington Street, 

BOSTON. 

1^1 ° 1 


* 



i 




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by 
A. K. LOEING, 

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts. 


Rockwell & Churchill, 
Printers and S t er e o t y pers , 
122 Washington St., Boston. 


TO MAY, CONSTANZIA, ADELHEID, AND MARION. 

My dear Daughters: — 

In the following pages I have endeavored to sketch the middle-class life of 
Germany, — incidents which occurred and persons whom I knew. I shall be 
rewarded, if I convey to your young minds accurate ideas of the father-land of 
Your affectionate Mother, 

ADELHEID SHELTON-MACKENZIE. 


Philadelphia. 1869. 



MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


PART I. 


CHAPTER I. 

WILLMA PERCLASS. 

Willma was undeniably the most beautiful girl of Moosdorf. 
Not, however, to her regular and finely chiselled features alone, 
nor to her exquisitely shaped small figure, did she owe her great 
loveliness, but also, and in a great measure, to the uncommon intel- 
lect expressed in her face. Her low but broad forehead promised 
great power of thought; the proud, full brown eyes shone fear- 
lessly from under the delicately drawn brows, and the firmly set 
mouth, not too large to lack beauty, nor too small to betray 
want of sense, denoted unusual determination. She was the 
youngest of three sisters. The two elder were married in other 
cities. When Willma was only fourteen years of age her 
mother died, but she fearlessly undertook the management of 
her father’s establishment, and succeeded in becoming the won- 
der of all who knew her. Those who had pronounced Dr. 
Perclass very unwise, in allowing this young child of his to un- 
dertake so difficult a task, were silenced by the praiseworthy 
aud sagacious manner in which she discharged her duties as 
mistress of his house. 

She was a devoted daughter and a kind mistress, but her will 
was law even with her father, who often used to say, while 
shrugging his shoulders, and with a smile on his kind, jovial 
countenance, " It cannot be done ! My daughter would never 

5 


6 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


consont.” Many called her proud, self-willed, and heartless ; 
she may have possessed the first two qualities, but I know she 
was charged wrongfully with the latter. Placed as she was, 
obliged to perform duties which fall usually to much older per- 
sons, she was less gay and more thoughtful than girls of her 
age generally are. 

She was rather indifferent and reserved with gentlemen, re- 
ceiving their attention simply as the homage which could not 
fail to be rendered to her, as a right and a tribute paid to her 
charms ; for it is not to be supposed that Willma should have been 
ignorant of her own attractions. Here her good sense revealed 
itself strongly, for where others would have become vain, or 
coquettish, she showed, neither by word, deed, or look, that 
she was conscious of them, and often we wondered whether she 
really was ignorant of her power. As her father was wealthy 
she was able to cultivate her talents, and did not neglect to make 
herself perfect in the accomplishments with which one becomes 
an ornament to society. Although very much liked by all her 
friends, and with heart and soul joining in their girlish thoughts 
and plans, she had only one intimate friend, a confidant devotedly 
attached to her. This was Bertha Bauer, also a girl of great 
intellect, who was the life of society by her wit and conversa- 
tional power, good-natured in the whole, and therefore generally 
liked. 


CHAPTER II. 

THE TWO FRIENDS. 

" Good-morning Bertha. Is it very cold ? ” 

With these words Willma greeted her friend, who just now 
had entered the room, glowing from cold and the piercing wind 
which was blowing through the streets. 

" It is, indeed, and if I had been aware of it, before I left 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


7 


home, I should certainly have wrapped myself up much warmer. 
Just look here, — only this thin shawl, this small bonnet, which 
is of no earthly use, and not even a veil to protect my face 
from the cutting wind.” 

" Poor thing ! ” said Willma, in mock compassion ; " however, 
here is a bright fire in the stove; do you hear it crackle? and 
here are cosey chairs to comfort you. Let us sit down and chat 
a little. You have brought your work, have you not?” 

"Yes, although I cannot stay long. I have no time to lose, 
and must not be idle even for an hour. I have so many presents 
to make this year that I am obliged to begin on them already. 
Ah, this is comfortable, now,” — nestling between the soft 
cushions. "Willma, sit opposite me, for I have some interesting 
news for you and have come out thus early to talk it over.” 

"I am all attention, — proceed! No, not yet,” she added; 
"wait a few minutes longer. I have a most beautiful piece of 
music, which I have been practising all the morning ; I want you 
to hear that first of all.” 

"Is it very long, Willma?” 

" Not long, but very beautiful. I am sure you will think so 
too.” Without waiting for an answer, or noticing the impatient 
expression that crossed Bertha’s face, she began to play. Beau- 
tiful sounds she elicited from the well-tuned instrument, forget- 
ting, in her love of music, her friend and the news which she 
was so anxious to impart. She did not heed, when at last 
Bertha, trying to interrupt, called, "You said it was not long;” 
hut went on, from leaf to leaf, from page to page, never stopping 
until the piece was finished, when, drawing breath, as if wanting to 
inhale even the last dying sound, she left the piano, saying, while 
reseating herself, "Is it not gloriously beautiful, Bertha?” 

"I dare say it is, and another time I have no doubt I shall be 
as much in raptures over it as you are at present, but just now 
other thoughts are in my mind.” 

" Well, then, out with them, my friend. What important 
news did you come to tell me?” 

" There is to be a ball next Monday ! ” 

"Ah? this is agreeable news. Before you go deeper into 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


8 . 

the subject, wait one moment longer. My work-table is just 
behind you, — will you move it here to my side ? for, like you, I 
dare not be idle a minute. This is a cushion for a chair which 
I mean to give to my father as a Christmas present,” she ex- 
plained, holding up a piece of work nearly finished. "Do you 
like it.” 

" Very much indeed. But now about the ball.” 

"Directly, Bertha, one moment longer. One, two — three, 
two green, three red, and one white. Now I am all attention. 
Where is this ball to be, and where did you get the information 
from ? ” 

"It is to be held at the club-house, and will be the first ball 
of the season. I read it in the newspaper this morning, and 
thinking you might not happen to look at the paper, I hurried 
to let you know.” 

"You were correct. I never thought of the paper, for I was 
practising all the morning.” 

" What do you mean to wear, Willma?” 

" First, I must see whether I can coax my father into taking 
me there, and, if I succeed, I shall write to my sister Thusnelda, 
telling her the colors of the dress and flowers I mean to wear, 
and then leave all the rest to her and to my dressmaker’s exquisite 
taste.” 

" How easy everything is for you ! ” Bertha sighed, despond- 
ingly. " You have only to order and need not trouble yourself 
further, while I have to turn and to refit old dresses, always 
counting the cost.” 

" This is unfair ; you always look very pretty, and the many 
attentions which are paid to you are proofs of it. What do you 
mean to wear?” 

"White, for it is the cheapest.” 

"Also the most becoming, my friend,” said Willma. "Let 
me see. Pink becomes your complexion. Why should you 
not have some white fleecy stuff trimmed with pink ? I have 
a beautiful wreath, of small blush roses covered with a sort of 
shiny dust, which glitters beautifully in the gaslight. You might 
wear it, and I am persuaded you would look very handsome in 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


9 

it. Have your hair in curls ; light hair always looks best 
dressed that way. What do you say to my advice ? ” 

" What should I say, but that you are very kind? I am sure 
though,” she added, fretfully, " that if I propose pink, my sister 
will want the same color.” 

"Never mind your sister; advise her to wear blue, which 
really becomes her well, and tell her that I have a beautiful wreath 
of forget-me-nots, which I would lend her.” 

"Thanks, Willma; you are very good. Yes, yes, this would 
do admirably. But what are you going to wear? Neither 
pink nor blue, I can see ; but what then?” 

"You shall know in time, Bertha. I hear my father coming, 
and must impart the news to him at once.” 

" How cold you look, papa ! ” she greeted him fondly, as he 
entered the room. 

"Yes, the wind cuts sharp,” answered Dr. Perclass, shutting 
the door behind him, and rubbing his hands. " Good-morning, 
Miss Bauer.” 

" Sit down, papa, and you will soon feel comfortable. Here 
are your warm shoes. I kept them under the stove, and here is 
your dressing-gown. How do you feel now? ” she asked, stand- 
ing a little off, and looking at him lovingly. 

"Quite pleasant, my child; thanks to your care.” 

"Here is the paper, which I am sure you have not read yet.” 

" Had no time to think of it, my dear ; however, give it to me 
now.” 

" There is great news in it, papa, — great news, which will 
create excitement in many quarters.” 

"Indeed; about what, Willma, — about what? Where the 
deuce did I put my spectacles again?” he muttered, putting 
his hands from pocket to pocket. 

"You need not be in such a hurry, papa; I can tell you all 
about it.” 

" Be quick, then. Why do you keep me in suspense, child? 
What is it ? ” 

" There is to be ” — trying hard to keep a grave face — "a ball 
at the club-house.” 


10 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


A slightly petulant stamp on the floor, accompanied by the 
exclamation of "Bother your ball!” was the answer. "And 
this is your news ? ” he asked at last, looking half frowningly 
into his daughter’s face. 

"Yes, papa,” she replied, demurely, " and very interesting for 
us. Is it not, Bertha ? ” 

" Certainly,” was the reply, " and it will create a great deal of 
excitement in many a quarter ;” and the two girls broke out at 
last with ringing laughter, which nearly set Dr. Perclass angry 
with vexation. 

" This means that you want to go, and that I shall have to 
take you, eh? ” 

"Assuredly, papa, and you would never be so cruel as to 
deny me this request,” she said, coaxingly, laying her arms 
around his neck. 

For a short time he tried to resist her caresses, but when he 
saw it was of no avail, and the soft, loving arms kept clinging 
closer and closer, he threw himself back in his chair, saying, 
with assumed despair, "I give in, I — yes, yes, I see that 
I shall have to go with you.” 

"This is a good, loving darling. Thank you, dear papa. I 
should not have told you so soon ; but you see we always have 
some preparations to make for these occasions, and — ” 

"Another hint, I know. This is an attack on my purse. I 
must submit to everything. O Miss Bauer, what victims we 
fathers are ! How I pity yours, who has two daughters ! I have 
only one, and see how I am dragged about ! ” 

"My father does not think himself victimized,” said Bertha, 
laughingly. 

" I do not believe a word of it, begging your pardon for con- 
tradicting a lady, but I should like to hear the other party first,” 
said Dr. Perclass, withdrawing to his study. 

"Now, my dear, nothing remains but to write the letter to 
my sister. Amuse yourself in the mean time with anything ; it 
will not take me more than a few minutes.” So saying, Willma 
drew a writing-desk towards her, and began to write rapidly. 

" Done ! ” she gayly exclaimed. " I have told Thusnelda that 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


11 


I wanted a dress made of cjierry-colored crepe, the skirts looped 
up with white camellias. I should also wish to wear these flowers 
in my hair, either shaped into a wreath, or simply in sprays, as 
the latest fashion may suggest it. I mentioned also that the 
bouquet to carry in my hand I would get here, as I think it easy 
to procure fresh camellias at the florist’s.” 

** Superb and beautiful ! Willma, you will look charmingly. 
And how will you dress your hair? Curls too, like mine?” 

"No, black hair never looks well in curls, — it is too heavy. I 
mean to have it brushed back quite plain, the braids wound 
around my head.” 

" Yes,” said Bertha, "that will look best; and now good-by. 
I shall be busy until. Monday. Shall I see you before ? ” 

" Perhaps so. By-the-by, my dear,” said Bertha, opening the 
door again, " do you know that Augustus Arnold has come 
back from his travels ? ” 

"Who is Augustus Arnold? Not the brother of Edward 
Arnold ? ” 

" Certainly ; but neither you nor I can remember him, as he had 
left Moosdorf before we were grown up. But now he is back 
again, and — take care of your heart, Willma ; it might, after all, 
get touched for once, you know ! He certainly is very handsome., 
I saw him yesterday, arm in arm with his brother, passing our 
house. He is not so tall as Edward, but has that pensive, 
thoughtful look which attracts so greatly. Good-by, and — 
beware ! ” 


CHAPTER III. 

MOTHER AND SONS. 

The ball was a brilliant success. All the members of the 
club-house attended it, with their wives, daughters, and sons. 
The heads of the families had first accompanied their charge into 


12 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


the ballroom, and then retired to th.eir favorite smoking-rooms, 
where they soon were deep in politics, enjoying their pipes, and 
emptying overflowing glasses, filled with the foaming ’and fresh- 
ly tapped lager, — the beverage of all classes in that country. 
The mothers, in the mean time, were not idle, for they had tcx 
keep a close lookout for their daughters ; frowning if a presum- 
ing clerk, with no prospects, was paying too close attention to 
their darlings, and smiling approvingly if they were addressed 
by rich merchants, or famous savans ; keeping up all the while a 
pleasant flow of discourse with some matron about other people’s 
family matters, or some newly discovered scandal ; greatly inter- 
ested in the former and properly horrified at the latter ; refresh- 
ing themselves now and then with some confectionery and an 
occasional sip of fine wine. 

The young ladies, in turn, enjoyed themselves in their way : 
dancing, flirting, and coquetting with their eyes ; smiling, 
whispering, and hiding all behind fragrant bouquets, making 
these little acts all the more charming by the conscious blushes 
which accompanied them. 

Augustus Arnold was only a passive attendant at this lively 
half; serious amongst the gay, and thoughtful in all this merry 
# company. He was leaning, almost all the evening, against one 
of the large, massive pillars which upheld the arched ceiling of 
the ballroom, watching the young couples as they whirled past 
him in the graceful dance, but letting his eyes rest longest and 
most admiringly on one young figure, clad in crepe of pale cherry 
color, and sprays of wax-like camellias in her dark hair, with 
a small but exquisite bouquet of the same flowers, at which she 
sometimes looked thoughtfully, and then, raising her eyes from 
it, would glance curiously around the room, while a puzzled ex- 
pression, now and then, could be seen in her face. So intent 
was he in his observations, that he did not notice the questioning 
looks of wonder, which were constantly levelled at him, nor the 
whisperings passing from one to another, why he , so young, 
did not also mix with the dancers. 

At last the ball was over ; parents began to make motions to 
depart ; carriages were called for, and the room rapidly clearing. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


13 


"Well, brother mine,” said a gay voice to Augustus, and an 
arm was at the same time thrown around his neck, "still at 
your post? How the deuce do you manage to be able to stand 
a whole evening in one place, making a face like a parson, when 
every one else is merry ? Once or twice I found time to come 
up to you, and once I even attempted to ask you whether you 
wished to be introduced to Miss Perclass, whom you were star- 
ing at the whole evening. Not that I myself would have put 
you through this ceremony. I should not care to take notice 
of that lady,” he added, contemptuously, while a malicious 
sneer passed quickly over his face ; " but one of my friends 
might have done himself the honor of presenting such an easy 
prey to the remorseless beauty. But, as I say, to my ques- 
tion I received no answer, only an impatient shrug, and a sort 
of growl, so I departed to more pleasant occupation, and made 
love to half-a-dozen young ladies, who were greatly flattered 
by my marked attentions ; for you must know that I am the 
darling of the fair sex, and many a heart beats when Edward 
Arnold draws nigh ! ” 

"Still the same ! ” said Augustus. "Be careful that you do 
not boast once too often. But now let us go home ; the room is 
nearly empty. Has the carriage arrived?” 

" Long ago ; but I sent it back again, letting our mother know 
that we should be late this evening, and therefore would walk 
home. You are satisfied with this arrangement? It is a beau- 
tiful, clear night, the walk will do us good, and it is, after all, 
not more than a mile to our home.” 

"Iam glad you have done so, Edward. I always enjoy a 
walk after a ball. Come on.” 

The two brothers lit their cigars, linked their arms, and left 
for home. They exchanged few words, walking side by side 
until they reached a large gate, opening into a handsome gar- 
den, over which the moon now poured her silvery light, making 
every object appear distinct as if it were day. Through the 
trees, farther away from the street, could be seen a large house 
built after the newest style, to which the two young men now 


14 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


bent their steps, following the broad avenue overshadowed by 
tall old oak-trees on both sides. 

"There are lights, so I suppose our mother is still up,” said 
Edward, breaking the silence, while he threw away the end of his 
cigar; "a sometimes very inconvenient habit of hers, of which 
1 cannot cure her either by entreaties nor remonstrance.” 

Opening the door with a latch-key, they entered a spacious 
hall paved with black and white marble, and furnished with 
heavy oak-chairs, which stood in rows against the dark wain- 
scoted walls. A large Black-Forest clock was ticking in its old- 
fashioned case. Its hands showed the hour of two. A girl 
came out from a side door, telling them to enter, as their mother 
had not yet retired for the night. 

"What, Barbara, you up too?” queried Edward, " and your 
eyes still as bright as if it were eight o’clock in the morning, 
instead of two hours after midnight ? ” 

" Mother, what makes you stay up so late ? indeed it cannot 
be good for your health,” said Augustus, after having entered 
the room, walking towards an old lady, who was sitting near a 
stove, buried in a well-cushioned easy-chair, and with a bright, 
thick shawl wrapped carefully around her. 

" Not to mention Barbara’s pretty eyes, which will surely look 
heavy to-morrow from want of sleep,” added Edward. 

" I was curious to hear how Augustus amused himself the first 
night after his return to his native town. Sit down here, my 
sons, and tell me what and whom you have seen this evening? 
Did you meet your cousin Marie Gartner ? ” 

"Yes,” replied Edward, "she was there.” 

" And what do you think of her, Augustus ? ” 

" Oh, do not ask him, mother, for he, I am sure, does not even 
remember that I introduced him to her. Do you, brother, now, 
upon your honor ? ” 

" I certainly remember that you introduced me to a lady ; 
that I bowed, and that she held out her hand in return ; but 
whether it was my cousin, or somebody else, truly I cannot 
tell.” 

"There,” laughed Edward ; "did I not tell you so, mother? 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


15 


He behaved the whole evening in the most extraordinary man- 
ner. He neither danced, nor drank, nor smiled, but stood all 
the time leaning against a pillar* a passive looker-on. When I 
once went up to him to introduce him to Miss Perclass — ” 

"And why to that lady in particular?” asked his mother, 
quickly, while a frown crossed her haughty features. 

"Why? Because he was looking at her all the time. While 
she was dancing, his eyes ever followed her, and when she was 
standing or sitting his looks still were riveted on her face.” 

"What did such strange behavior mean, my son? ” she asked, 
turning her eyes uneasily towards him. 

" Nothing, dear mother,” while an amused smile came into his 
eyes ; " but that I did not see anything else worth looking at. 
Had I known that I had to go through such close inquisition, 
perhaps I should have conducted myself better.” 

"You know, my son,” said his mother, visibly relieved by 
his answer, " that I never mix in society now, and therefore it 
amuses me to hear of it as much as possible, and it interests me 
doubly if the informants are my own children. But is this 
Miss Perclass really so very beautiful ? ” 

"Beautiful is not the word, mother,” said Augustus, warmly; 
" in fact, I cannot express the charm or spell that face throws 
over one. She is perfectly fascinating.” 

His brother quickly left his seat, trying to hide from Augus- 
tus the angry flush which he felt dyed his forehead at these 
words, and his mother’s eyes almost flashed sparks of angry 
fire, while her hands kept nervously twitching the fringe of her 
shawl. Her voice sounded harsh and unnatural, when after 
listening to her son’s enthusiastic outburst, she said, "Enough 
of this nonsense. I wish to speak of something which is best 
to be said now ; therefore listen to me, my sons, and remember 
well, that what I say now I mean forever. I am wealthy, and 
all my wealth will one day be equally divided between you two ; 
with one condition, however : each of you must marry richly.” 

" But, mother — ” 

*'No interruptions, Augustus,” said the old lady. "It is ne- 
cessary that you should do so, in order that our family should 


16 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


always be as it has been, as long as I can remember, the first, 
and of the highest standing in this city. But you must not only 
marry well, but also — and I wish this even more than wealth — 
into good old families. Our own can boast, as far back as I can 
remember, that no low-born ancestors ever have borne our name. 
This has been on the side of your father as well as of mine. 
There have always been gentlewomen and gentlemen who bore 
our name. Therefore, if you look around for wives, you must 
bear in mind these two conditions, and I do not think it very 
difficult for you to succeed. I should wish — but in this I let 
you have your own choice — that one of you would marry your 
cousin Marie Gartner. She is handsome, accomplished, and 
wealthy, and would look well at the head of one’s table.” 

"And has a temper like a devil,” murmured Edward, but 
loud enough for his mother to hear. 

" Which my eldest son would know well how to curb,” she 
said. 

"Mother,” and the younger son’s voice sounded somewhat 
impatient, even indignant, "you have overlooked some very 
important points.” 

" What may these be ? ” 

" Our feelings. Should our affections have no voice in that 
matter ? ” 

" Feelings ! ” replied the old lady, while a motion of her aris- 
tocratic hand showed the utter contempt with which she treated 
this question ; " feelings and affections are all very well for low 
and inferior classes, but can be dispensed with by persons of 
our position.” 

" Exactly, mother,” said Edward ; "quite right ; one may love 
one, admire the other, and still marry the third.” 

" Good-night, mother,” said Augustus, quickly rising, while 
dissatisfaction was written on his face. 

" Good-night, both of you. I have dealt fairly with you ; act 
accordingly.” 

A heavy feeling came over Augustus after retiring to his 
room. Youth seemed to have left him, and he felt himself 
suddenly an old man. What can my mother have against 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


17 


Miss Perclass ? It is no trifling reason which made her eyes 
flash, and her hands shake, when I spoke of her wonderful beauty, 
— and she is beautiful ! Oh, how lovely she looked at the florist’s, 
wrapped up all in fur ! How that fellow could resist her en- 
treaties to sell her those few camellias, I cannot understand. 
However, it was all for the best ; it allowed me to send her 
some from our garden. How puzzled she sometimes seemed, 
when she looked at the small bouquet, and how thoughtfully she 
let her beautiful eyes rove over the ballroom, as if to ask, " Where 
has this come from ? ” 

" He is half in love with her already,” murmured Edward to 
himself, while preparing for bed ; " but she shall not succeed in 
winning his heart. No, no, a thousand times no ; ” and with an 
angry oath he threw himself on his bed. " Why is my mother 
v so dead-set against her, I should like to know? And I shall 
find it out too.” With this consoling intention he turned towards 
the wall and was soon in a heavy sleep. 


CHAPTER IV. 

AFTER THE BALL. 

" I am glad you have come,” said Willma, receiving her friend 
at the door ; " we have not seen each other since the ball, and 
have much to tell.” 

" Have you seen him? ” 

"Seen whom?” 

" Why, Augustus Arnold, who just now has ridden past your 
house, looking as attentively at the windows as "if he were paid 
for counting them.” 

"I must plead guilty of not having noticed him,” said Willma, 
with a smile. 

"How handsome he looked on his black horse. I wish you 
could have seen him. But, Willma, was it not strange that he 
refused to be introduced to you at the ball? ” 

2 


* 


18 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


" Declined to be introduced to me ? And did anybody wish 
to do so ? ” 

" Oh, I forgot, we have not met since the ball. Yes, his brother 
asked him. I was standing behind Augustus, when Edward 
came up, laying his arm around his neck, and said, ' Shall I 
make you acquainted with Miss Perclass ? ’ What the answer 
was I could not hear ; but I saw him shrug his shoulders as if 
impatient, and Edward then left him.” 

A flush of annoyance overspread Willma’s features at hearing 
this, but, raising her head proudly, she said, " It does not matter. 

I enjoyed myself very much, nevertheless.” 

" Of course you did,” said her friend ; "but how did you like 
Mr. Miller? Is he not a perfect gentleman?” 

" What, a new flame, Bertha ? ” asked Willma. " What a large 
and impressive heart my friend possesses ! However, I cannot ' 
allow myself to judge about this fortunate object of your praise, 
for I had the honor of dancing with him only once.” 

"Yes, your time was too much taken up by Mr. Herbert, 
your faithful worshipper. Why, Willma, what can he mean?” 

" I hope, for goodness’ sake,” replied her friend, "that he means 
nothing but that we should enjoy ourselves pleasantly every 
time we meet, for to converse with him is indeed pleasure.” 

" Nonsense, Willma ; you must know that Mr. Herbert means 
much more, and it is a riddle to me that he has not told you so 
long ago.” 

" Do not say so, Bertha ; you make me feel uneasy. If he 
were really so foolish, our intercourse would have to cease, and 
I should be deprived of many a happy hour.” 

" It is almost impossible for me to believe, Willma, that you 
do not love him.” 

" I assure you, Bertha, the thought never entered my mind.” 

"Very well, you must know best, but I believe that it has en- 
tered Mr. Herbert’s mind. However, there is something else I 
want to ask, — How is it that Carl Baumann did not pay tps usual 
attentions to you ? ” 

" For the simple reason that he could not let well alone, and 
wanted more than friendship, and got nothing at all.” 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


19 


" You do not mean to say that he proposed to you, and that 
you refused his offer? ” cried Bertha, in astonishment. 

"This I exactly do mean.” 

" What, refuse Carl Baumann ! — one of the most handsome, one 
of the richest men in town? Impossible, Willma ; absurd !” 

"You forgot another quality, as well known as the other two, 
— he is also one of the most dissipated.” 

" Nonsense ! he would have made an all the better husband, 
for having sown his wild oats, and you could have managed him 
well.” 

"If I marry, I do not want to reform my husband. I mean 
to choose a man who does not need that.” 

"You certainly have strange ideas, but — as you please. Tell 
me now where you got that beautiful bouquet of yours. The 
florist, you said, had only two more camellias, and those, he in- 
formed you, were as good as sold, so he could not let you have 
them. Where, then, did you get such a perfect bouquet?” 

" This is as much a riddle to me as to you. I thanked Mr.. 
Herbert for it, as soon as I had an occasion ; but he positively 
denied all knowledge of it, and he would surely have told me, 
for he has sent me many a one, and never made a secret of 
having done so. It puzzled me the whole evening, and I often 
looked amongst the crowd for one to whom I might be 
indebted for this present, but with no result; and it is most 
curious that any one could have known exactly the particular 
flowers I wanted.” 

"Very strange and mysterious,” mused her friend. "I never 
mentioned to any one what you would wear. Well, we will 
find it out yet.” 

"Perhaps so,” answered Willma. "Do you not bring any 
particular news ? ” 

" Nothing but what we have already talked over.” 

" Then I shall be this time the first to impart to you that we 
shall have a fine concert next week at the club-house. The 
Milanolos. have arrived, and the club has engaged them for an 
evening. My sister writes that they have given concerts at 
Rosenfeld, and succeeded immensely at the capital.” 


1 


t 


20 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


" Delightful ! ” cried Bertha. "We all must go. I suppose 
the tickets have to be procured early ? ” 

"Yes, indeed; my father has secured our seats already.” 
"Then I must go to tell my father. I would not miss this for 
the world. Good-by, Willma, good-by ! ” 


CHAPTER Y. 

THE CONCERT. 

The concert-room of the club-house was crowded on the 
evening of the performance. Mr. Bauer had secured seats close 
to those of Dr. Perclass, and Bertha and Willma were near each 
other. 

The first part of the concert was over when Dr. Perclass was 
called away to attend a sick person. He informed his daughter 
of it, telling her at the same time that he would be back before 
the time of going home. 

The performance was over, and the room was rapidly clear- 
ing. Mr. Bauer offered to see Willma home ; but she declined, 
saying that she was sure her father would yet come ; he might 
even now be waiting, at the entrance-porch to receive her. In 
the mean time she would go to the dressing-room, and, if they 
should see him, while going down, they could tell him where 
he* would find her. 

Every one else had gone. The lights had been extinguished, 
and only a solitary candle was still burning in the room where 
Willma waited. The wardrobe-woman was fidgeting around, 
evidently anxious to close the place, throwing, from time to 
time, impatient looks towards the young lady who prevented her 
doing so. Willma began to repent not having accepted Mr. 
Bauer’s escort, and was about to ask the woman to go home 
with her, when hasty steps were heard in the hall. Thinking 


Carried against reason. 


21 


that it must be her father, she went quickly to the door and — 
ran nearly into the arms of Augustus Arnold. Very much con- 
fused at the unexpected encounter, she hastily drew back, when 
he said, hesitatingly, and trying to hide his surprise, "I believe 
I have the honor of addressing Miss Perclass.” 

" That is my name.” ^ 

"Would I presume too much if I were to ask — ” 

" Why I am placed in such an awkward position ? ” Willma 
completed, smilingly, seeing him stop in the middle of his ques- 
tion. " Because my father, being obliged to leave the concert 
to visit a patient, and promising to come back before the per- 
formance was over, I, expecting him from one minute to the 
other, refused Mr. Bauer’s kind offer to see me home. I was 
just on the point of leaving when I heard your steps, and 
thinking it must be my father, met you thus unceremoniously.” 

"My name is Arnold, — Augustus Arnold.” 

She acknowledged the introduction by a slight bend of her head. 

" If you would please to allow me to escort you to your home 
I should esteem myself very happy.” 

" I have no other choice but to accept your kindness.” 

"I am at your service, Miss Perclass.” So saying y he stepped 
back to let her pass. 

"I believe I had the pleasure of seeing you at the last ball?” 
he said, as soon as they had reached the street. 

" Very likely, if you were there.” 

"Yes, I was there, although only as a passive ' observer ; from 
which, however, I derived as much pleasure as if I had mixed 
with the dancers. I also had nearly the happiness to be intro- 
duced to you.” 

"Indeed!” 

"Yes. My brother told me afterwards that he came to me in 
the course of the evening on purpose to introduce me. Of this 
I am, however, quite uuconscious. My brother said that, in- 
stead of an answer, he only received from me an impatient shrug, 
and he therefore left me to myself.” 

"Did you say,” asked Willma, "that it was Mr. Edward Ar- 
nold who offered to do this?” 


22 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


"Yes, my brother Edward. But why? Is anything strange 
in that?” 

" Perhaps not — but — never mind. You said you enjoyed 
yourself?” Willma asked, quickly. 

"Very much; but you? It seemed to me as if you were at 
times preoccupied, and as if your eyes were seeking for some- 
thing.” 

"You must have been, indeed, a close observer,” replied 
Willma. "I was puzzled, and there is no need to make a secret 
of it. I had a bouquet of camellias sent to me for that evening, 
and for the life of me I cannot discover the giver. You know it 
is so usual to receive such presents that nobody would deny it. 
You can, therefore, imagine my surprise when none of the gen- 
tlemen whom I thanked for it would accept my thanks, assuring 
me that they had not sent me those very particular flowers. I 
had received for that occasion several other bouquets, but, hap- 
pening, also, to wear camellias in my hair, I had chosen to wear 
one made of the same flowers. It must have been a mere acci- 
dent, of course, which induced that mysterious unknown to send 
camellias to me, as nobody could have known what I intended 
to wear that evening. Confess, Mr. Arnold, is this not enough 
to puzzle any girl’s brains ? ” 

"It is, indeed, Miss Perclass ; but since you say that nobody 
would think to make a secret of sending a bouquet to a lady — ” 

"I mean flowers for a ball,” interrupted Willma, hastily. 

"Very well, then, flowers for such an occasion. I suppose I, 
also, should confess that I was at the florist’s when you entreated 
him so vainly to sell two camellias to you. Seeing that you did 
not succeed, and knowing that we had such flowers in our gar- 
den, I took the liberty of resolving that you should not be disap- 
pointed, although that fellow showed himself so hard-hearted.” 

" What !” exclaimed Willma, astonished, drawing back ; "you, 
an entire stranger, to rob your garden for my benefit ? ” 

"Not a stranger from henceforth, if you will so please, Miss 
Perclass.” 

"That would be black ingratitude,” said Willma, laughing 
gayly, " after you have extricated me from two dilemmas : this 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


23 


evening from being imprisoned in the club-house,. perhaps to be 
found’ next morning eaten up by rats or mice, and at another 
time from having to go through the mortification of appearing 
at the first ball of the club-house with camellias in my hair and 
fuchsias and roses in my hand. No small annoyance this would 
have been, I can assure you.” 

" Thank you, Miss Perclass. When we meet again, may I 
consider myself introduced ? ” 

" By all means. But if you like to go through the ceremony 
again, you may do so ; it will be the more fun.” 

With these gayly spoken words she bade him good-night, and 
entered her house. "Now this I call an adventure,” she thought, 
when alone. " What will Bertha say? I shall write a note to 
her early to-morrow, and beg her to come to see me as soon as 
possible.” 

The figure of Augustus, as he had appeared in the door of the 
club-room, asking her so gracefully, and in such gentlemanly 
manner, to allow her to be escorted home by him, was the last 
that Willma saw, in her mind, before falling asleep. 


CHAPTER VI. 

PUZZLED. 

Sweet was the spell this meeting had thrown over Augustus, 
and he was in no hurry, after having left her whose charms be- 
witched him, to cast off the delicious feelings which held all his 
thoughts and made his soul thrill with unknown joy. With 
springy step, and a heart full of sunshine, he had reached the 
gate which led to his home. It seemed that neither cold nor the 
cutting December wind had been felt by him ; for, after having 
entered his room, he hastily threw off his overcoat, opened the 
window, and allowed the piercing air to cool his flushed and 


24 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


burning brow ; Thus he stood, not heeding how the time passed, 
thinking of nothing in particular, but still inexpressibly happy, 
trying to remember every word she had spoken, lingering lov- 
ingly on the recollection of every smile that had passed over her 
lovely countenance, and which his pliant memory had only too 
faithfully treasured. At last the clock struck one, and the loud, 
solemn sound awakened him from his dreams. Recalled to 
himself, he sighed deeply, and reluctantly prepared for rest. 
Sweet pictures of a happy future came into his sleep, and kept 
dancing before him until the morning sunshine broke through 
his window, wakening him to the reality of life. 

He dressed quickly, for his watch told him that it was nearly 
eight o’clock, the usual hour for breakfast, and he knew that his 
mother did not like to wait. He found her sitting at the table 
when he entered the room. Hastening up to her, he pressed 
the accustomed morning kiss upon her cheek, begging her not 
to be annoyed at his late appearance. 

"It does not matter, Augustus. I have only just now come 
down myself. You have overslept yourself. You came home 
later than your brother last night ? Had you some engagement, 
or an adventure?” something akin to a smile playing on her 
usually stern features. 

"I had indeed an adventure, and one of a very pleasant 
kind.” 

"Indeed?” 

A short laugh from Edward was the only sign that he had 
listened to what was said. 

"May we hear of it?” she asked. 

"Certainly, for I do not see any reason why it should remain 
a secret. I got an introduction to Miss Perclass last even- 
ing.” 

Again that dry laugh from his brother, while a conscious flush 
rose to his brow. 

"And is this so very extraordinary to deserve the name of an 
adventure? ” asked his mother, while an unpleasant expression 
came in her eyes. 

"It is the way in which it happened that makes it uncom- 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


25 


mon,” saicl Augustus. "Let me relate it, and you will soon 
think with me.” He then told all, in a plain, straightforward 
manner. When he had done, he asked, as if recollecting sud- 
denly, "By-the-by, Edward, what have you against Miss Per- 
class, or rather what have you both against each other?” 

" Why ? ” questioned his brother, quickly, as if stung. " What 
did she say to make you think so ? ” 

" I told her that I got nearly introduced to her at the ball, 
and by you — ” 

" What a fool } r ou were ! ” 

"You forget yourself,” said his mother, sharply, eying him at 
the same time suspiciously; "your brother behaved in this mat- 
ter altogether as a gentleman ought to behave to a lady who is 
placed, as Miss Perclass evidently was, in such an awkward 
position. As to his remarking that you wished to introduce 
him to her, I can positively see nothing foolish in having done 
so ; unless ” — and she looked keenly at her eldest son — " there is 
indeed a reason why it should be foolish.” 

"I beg your pardon,” said Edward, recollecting himself, "I 
was too hasty. The fact is, I am out of sorts this morning. I 
w r as greatly annoyed last night.” 

" All right, brother ; I did not mind your outburst.” 

"But I wish that in future, when you happen to be in ill-hu- 
mor, you will please avoid my presence, until you are able to 
show the proper respect to your mother,” said Mrs. Arnold, dis- 
pleased, and not at all deceived by the apology. "I should like 
to remark, however, on this occasion, that the less my two sons 
have to do with Miss Perclass the better I shall like it ; for no 
matter how lovely, rich, or accomplished she may be, I can never 
recognize her as my daughter-in-law.” 

"May I ask why you , also, are against this young lady?” 
said Augustus. " Her family is unobjectionable, as far as I know.” 

" Then you know very little,” remarked the old lady, getting 
visibly excited ; "her father is of low origin ; his brothers are all 
either farmers or school-masters.” 

" I never knew, mother, that you knew Dr. Perclass,” said 
Edward, watching her closely. 


26 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


" I did , however, and you need not be puzzled about it.” 

But the two did puzzle themselves, and often did Augustus 
ask himself, that day, why both mother and brother were so 
very much prejudiced against her. whom he admired so greatly ; 
and a feeling of sadness stole over him and forebodings of com- 
ing evil began to oast shadows upon his heart. 


CHAPTER VII. 

ONLY EXCEPTIONAL. 

Since that fondly cherished evening, Mr. Augustus Arnold 
and Miss Perclass had not met. He was chafing inwardly against 
the stern etiquette which forbade his visiting her occasionally. 
He had passed her several times on the street, but excepting an 
earnest look, into which he tried to throw as much of his feel- 
ings as possible, a formal bow was all the recognition he re- 
ceived, for so ruled the fatal custom of that country. Every 
afternoon, precisely at two o’clock, he rode past her house, 
making the allowed window parade , which nobody could hin- 
der, and which is about the only open attention a young gentle- 
man may pay to a young lady in Germany except on public 
occasions. There he had the unsatisfactory satisfaction of seeing 
her, sometimes sitting with her work before her, or watering her 
flowers, with which the whole window-sill was filled. A bow, 
a flitting smile, a lingering look, and — all was over. Such 
meagre food could not content his hungry heart, for he could not, 
and indeed did not want to, hide from himself that now he loved 
truly and forever. This love had grown from day to day, from 
hour to hour. His thoughts were hers since he had first seen 
her, and his heart was in her keeping before he had been aware of it. 

It was only two weeks before Christmas, — the time when la- 
dies often frequent all kinds of shops, to buy cloth, gloves, con- 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


27 


fectioueries, knick-knacks for the tree, — and therefore Au- 
gustus patronized every sort of shop or sjtore in the hope of 
meeting Willma. All was of no avail. 

One evening his brother and he were comfortably enjoying 
their cigars, when, in sheer despair, and hoping against hope to 
hear perhaps of some way by which a young gentleman might 
be allowed to visit a lady, he asked, " Brother, how is it that I 
never see you visit a lady ? ” 

Edward removed his cigar from his lips, turned slowly a look 
of utter astonishment upon the querist, and asked, "What do 
you mean ? ” • 

" I mean what I asked ; why do you never pay visits to any 
lady?” 

"I am not aware that I am engaged to one, — are you?” 

"And is that, then, the only way to get the privilege of visit- 
ing a lady ? You know I have been away for so many years, in 
fact, before lever cared for the customs of the fashionable world, 
that I may be excused for sometimes asking for information in 
these matters.” 

" Truly, brother, this is the only way that your strange question 
can be explained, which otherwise would sound ridiculous. In 
other countries such things may be permitted, but with us they 
are only exceptions ; unless, as I before remarked, you are 
engaged to a lady. Then you may visit her at any time of the 
day, invite her anywhere, and speak to her if you meet her on 
the street ; otherwise you cannot break this rule, else the lady 
would very soon be thought very little of.” 

"Do you not think, Edward, that this goes a little too far?” 

" Perhaps so,” replied his elder, carelessly, wrapping himself in 
a perfect cloud of smoke, through which he managed to watch 
his brother closely ; " but you know what you never had you can 
never miss. Why do you put this question, though ? Have you 
any inclination that way ? ” 

" To tell the truth,” replied the younger, laughing, "I should 
not be averse to less strict etiquette.” 

Both smoked on in silence after this, following their own 
thoughts ; one musing on what might be the cause of these ques- 


28 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


tious, the other confessing to himself that there was no loop-hole 
for him, and that he had either to submit to the rules of society 
or create an exception from these inconveniently strict laws. 

Fortune seemed inclined to favor Augustus in his endeavors 
to meet Willma again, for very soon after that conversation he 
happened to pass through one of the by-streets of Moosdorf, 
when he perceived a shining object on the snow ; picking it up, 
he found it to be a small silver box, opening with a spring, 
lined with red velvet, and having the initials " W. P.” engraved 
upon it. Here was an opportunity of seeing Miss Perclass, of 
which he was not slow in taking advantage. 

He started for her dwelling at once, thanking his lucky stars 
for granting him his most ardent wishes so promptly. After 
having repeatedly knocked at a half-open door without getting 
an answer, he pushed it open and entered. He saw a small 
closet or pantry, in which Miss Perclass stood in close conversa- 
tion with a servant, to whom she seemed to be explaining some- 
thing. He drew back, and knocking again, this time much 
louder, was told, by a clear, ringing voice, to come in. 

"Mr. Arnold,” said Willma, coming out of the pantry, "I 
am glad to see you ; but you have mistaken the room ; this is not 
my father’s apartment. Catherina,” — turning to her servant, — 
" show this gentleman to the office.” 

"Dr. Perclass is gone out, Miss Willma,” answered the girl. 

" You are unfortunate,” said the young lady. " Papa is gone 
out and I cannot even tell you what time he will be back 
again.” 

"I am sorry not to have the pleasure of meeting Dr. Per- 
class ; but as my visit this time is to you, I am not so unfortunate 
after all.” 

"To me? To what happy circumstance do I owe this 
pleasure ? ” 

"Have you not lost some article?” asked Mr. Arnold in 
return, not at all discouraged by this not very warm reception. 

" I do not think I have ; at least I have not missed any- 
thing.” 

"I have found this silver box,” — handing it to her, — "and as it 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


29 


has your initials engraved on it, I thought it might perhaps be 
yours.” 

" It certainly is mine ; but how I could have lost it without 
missing it astonishes me. However, I am very much obliged 
to you. It seems,” she added, with a smile and a blush, "that 
whenever we meet # I have to thank you for some kindness or 
attention.” 

" I wish I could do more for you. These are trifles not worth 
speaking of.” 

" Oh, but they are,” interrupted Willma, quickly. " Is it not 
pleasant,” she added, softly, " when one can think of a person 
only with the memory of kind and friendly actions ? ” 

" Dear Miss Perclass, how I thank you for these words ! They 
show me that you have not forgotten me.” 

"How could I, without being ungrateful?” she said, simply. 
" And now again this little box. You seem determined not to 
let me forget you.” 

"To be always present in your thoughts would, indeed, be 
the richest reward for the few trifling favors, if you will so 
call them, I have been so fortunate as to confer on you,” cried 
the young man, warmly, while his eyes gazed, with unspoken 
love, on her beautiful countenance, whose blushes showed that 
she understood the meaning of his words and looks. 

"You find me to-day in the middle of the preparations for 
the holidays,” she went on, quickly. "This last week is 
entirely destined for finishing off all the little things which are 
so necessary to make Christmas pleasant and attractive. By- 
the-by, you must taste some of my sweetmeats. I made them 
with my own hands, and you shall judge whether I do or do not 
understand my business of home-confectioner. ” 

So saying, she went to the door and gave her orders to a 
servant. Presently the girl came in with a small waiter. 

" Now, Mr. Arnold, taste these, and take a glass of wine ; 
and if you have not lost all taste of what is nice, I am sure 
you will help yourself again.” 

"They are, indeed, delicious, and do you infinite credit. I 
should have supposed that this last week before Christmas is 


30 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


the particular time for ladies to visit the shops to purchase the 
necessary articles for Christmas presents?” asked Augustus, 
after having partaken of the sweetmeats set before him. 

" Oh, no ; you were quite mistaken. The gifts are either made 
long ago, or bought mostly two or three weeks before they are 
actually wanted, because, in the last week, every one is busy 
with making preparations at home.” 

" Then have I wasted my time indeed,” said Augustus, half 
aloud. 

"Why so, if I may ask?” 

"Because, in the hope of seeing and meeting you, I have 
explored all kinds of stores, not knowing that these are the last 
places where my wishes would be realized.” 

"And why,” asked Willma, " were you so anxious to meet 
and to see me ? ” 

But no sooner were the words spoken thau she could have 
bitten her tongue off, so vexed was she with herself for having 
spoken so thoughtlessly. 

She was answered with only one look, but a look which 
expressed all what he dared not say as yet, — so sad and 
yearning, so full of love and tenderness, that, to hide her burn- 
ing blushes, which seemed to scorch her neck and face ; to 
conceal the tears which threatened to fall and still the beating 
of her heart, she was obliged to turn away, for no longer could 
she misunderstand his meaning. 

He got up, rising as if from a stupor, and, taking her hand 
in his, and holding it long and pressing it gently, said, quickly, 
as if restraining himself : — 

" Good-by, Miss Perclass ; ” and when she looked around he 
was gone. His absence was relief to her, and she hurried to 
her room, locked the door, and gave way to a flood of tears. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


31 


CHAPTER VIII. 

A CONFESSION. 

Augustus arrived at home, and reached his room like one 
dreaming. He could remember nothing but that he had held 
her hand long and tenderly, that she had not resented it, and 
that he had looked into the depth of those beautiful, truthful 
eyes, and there read no anger at the words he had been so bold 
as to speak. He had tasted again of what was dearest to him 
on earth, of the charms and loveliness of the girl he loved with 
all his heart. But now at home, and out of the influence of her 
presence, he began to sober down. He tried to collect his 
thoughts, and became aware that he had acted exactly contrary 
to his mother’s wishes, ay, even against her most decided 
commands. He had to confess to himself that he had not tried 
to avoid Miss Perclass, but done all he could to find an oppor- 
tunity of meeting her again. He now had either to bear his 
mother’s anger, which he knew, from former occasions, was no 
slight and passing matter, and let her do her worst, or he must 
draw back and behave towards Miss Perclass like a villain, 
showing, by his future manner towards her, that he had meant 
nothing, and leave it to her either to despise him, or to view his 
past conduct as that of a heartless man of the world. These were 
painful thoughts for him to pursue, and difficult skeins to un- 
tangle. Had he been sure that his love were returned, it would 
not have puzzled him long how to decide, for his heart pointed 
only to her ; but he knew nothing of her feelings towards him. 
Those downcast eyes, full with unshed tears, might have hid- 
den love and affection ; but they might also have shown con- 
fusion and maidenly shyness. Her head, turned away from 
him, might have hidden the revelation of what he would have 
given much to know ; but, at the same time, there might have 
been only blushes of mortification at his unexpected presump- 
tion. 

While thus occupied, his brother entered, and, as it seemed, 


32 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


in not the most amiable humor. Throwing himself sulkily into 
an arm-chair, he first eyed Augustus long and attentively, 
saying, at last : — 

" Brother, what in the world did you do to-day at the house 
of Dr. Perclass? You need not glare at me in this manner,” 
he added, seeing his brother wheeling around quickly in his 
chair, and looking at him with the greatest surprise. ”1 was 
merely passing there, when, to my astonishment, I saw you 
coming out. I was on the point of calling to you to stop, 
when you rushed on in such a hurry, and with such evident 
determination not to be disturbed, that I gave up my attempt 
to retain you. You seem to take a strange delight in flying in 
the face of our mother’s exact commands.” 

Augustus moved uneasily in his chair, and gave no answer. 

" Brother mine,” continued Edward, " your doings, you may 
say, are no business of mine, and, in a great measure, you are 
right, but, Augustus,”- — and he came closer to him, laying his 
hand affectionately upon his younger brother’s shoulder, — f ' al- 
though it may seem strange for me to say so, for I am a care- 
less kind of a fellow, who do not make much show of affection 
for any one, I love you, and do not like to see you get into 
mischief without speaking to you and putting everything plain 
before you, so that, if you shoidd get into trouble, you can say 
to yourself, my brother warned me of it. Not now, Augustus,” 
he said, noticing his brother’s motion to speak; "let me finish. 
You love Miss Perclass, I know ; but mark my words, brother, 
she will never be your wife.” 

" Why are you so positive of that?” 

" Because our mother would never consent. She has some 
kind of hatred against that family, the cause of which I shall 
make it my business to discover. You heard what she said on 
the evening of the ball, and she will surely fulfil her threat, 
for I never yet saw her go back from anything she had made up 
her mind to do.” 

"We have a handsome fortune of our own, Edward, on which 
we might live handsomely.” 

"That’s so, brother; we have a fortune left to us by our 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


33 


father ; but if you were as sane as you are the contrary at pres- 
ent you would know that we never could live on that. Our 
tastes and habits are too expensive for us to do with less than 
we have now. No, if married, we would need a great deal 
more. You think it an easy thing, just now, with all your 
romantic ideas of moonshine and love in a cottage ; but let us 
not forget to look at it with sober eyes.” 

"Edward, I have allowed you to speak without interruption, 
but let it be my turn now. In point of money-matters and all 
that, you may be quite right ; but in this case this is not all. 
Affections, feelings, and future happiness are objects to be 
rated a great deal higher than those mentioned by you. I love 
Miss Perclass, as you have correctly observed. I confess it to 
you frankly, for I am not ashamed of it. I do not know 
whether she returns my love, but I shall tell her of my feelings, 
and find out. She, I am assured, cares nothing for wealth, and 
if I explain to her that I am not so rich, as she, perhaps, thought 
me to be, she may not consider that a drawback to our union.” 

" Will you also tell her,” asked his brother, "that our mother 
will not receive her as a daughter ? ” 

"I shall also mention that*” answered Augustus, firmly. 

" And how do you think she will take it ? ” queried Edward 
again, while a sneer passed over his features. 

" If Miss Perclass loves me, — as I hope my future wife will 
love me, — this communication may be a shock to her at first. 
But, knowing that she has nothing to reproach herself with, and 
that this objection can only be an old woman’s fancy, she will 
not mind it, and, proud in our mutual love, we shall try to bear 
our mother’s displeasure and live without her money.” 

Edward could no longer doubt that his brother was seriously 
in earnest, and that he was determined to act as he said. 

While Augustus was yet speaking, Edward’s features had 
undergone a visible change, — the sneer had disappeared and 
made room for an expression of such utter dejection and sad- 
ness as was pitiful to behold, in one usually so trifling and 
frivolous. His voice, when he next spoke, startled Augustus, 
so changed was it from the absence of its usual mocking tone. 

3 


34 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


Choking with suppressed emotion, he said at last, though faintly 
and almost inaudibly : — 

" Brother, brother, have mercy ! Have pity ! Go back from 
what you intend to do. Try not to win her for yourself ; her — 
whom I — have loved so long ! O brother, I know I cannot 
make her love me, but do not you go on further ! ” 

A groan, as if in pain, preceded the answer of Augustus. 
" You, too, Edward, you too ? This is indeed fatality ! But did 
you not say that your love is hopeless ? Then any other man 
might make her his wife, — why not I, who love her so truly?” 

"Devil! to torture me so,” cried Edward, madly, throwing 
his arms about him wildly ; " do you not fear that I should grow 
desperate with jealousy ? ” 

" Brother, I shall draw back until you have tried your luck. I 
will leave home again for six months, and you may in that time 
try to win her. If you succeed, I shall travel a few years more, 
and school my heart to look upon her only — as my brother’s 
wife. Here is my hand,” he said, wearily, holding out one, 
while the other was pressed to his heart, as if to still its pain. 
"Let us not speak of it any more.” 

"You are a noble fellow, Augustus,” said Edward, with 
surprise, "and your unselfish offer deserves something more. 
I will confess to you what I have never told another soul, and 
never will, but which your generous conduct has pressed from 
me. It is more than a year since I began to pay attention to 
Miss Perclass. I admired her then only a little more than other 
girls, for her exquisite beauty. Sure to meet with no obstacle, 
— for who would be so foolish, as to refuse Mr. Arnold, — I 
paid my homage to her, in a careless way, sure that I would be 
accepted whenever it would suit me to ask. Sometimes I was 
humbly waiting for her slightest wish ; another time I was cold, 
distant, paying court to other pretty girls, thinking Miss 
Perclass would be glad enough, whenever I saw fit to play the 
enamored lover again. So I went on for about a year. At last 
it suited me to propose. I wrote to her, not doubting that an 
eager acceptance of my hand — for of my heart I did not speak 
at all — would be the result. You can guess what the answer 


* 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


35 


was. If I had not been a vain fool, full of self-conceit, and spoiled 
by all the other girls, I might have foreseen what would follow ; 
but as it was, I had not the slightest fear. You may read her 
answer ; here it is.” 

He handed a note to his brother to read. It contained only a 
few. lines : — 

“ Dear Sir : As your hand does not seem to me such a valuable property 
as you evidently deem it, I decline accepting it. 

“ WlLLMA PERCLASS.” 

" On receiving this,” Edward resumed, " my eyes were opened, 
and I became convinced that Miss Perclass is a girl amongst 
hundreds, and then I began to love her passionately, madly ; 
all the more so because I knew it was hopeless, for she de- 
spised me.” 

Augustus had listened without once interrupting him ; he was 
afraid to give utterance to his feelings for fear of hurting him to 
the quick ; but when Edward had finished, he got up, saying, "I 
pity you sincerely ; but there is no help for it. You must bear 
the consequences of your conduct.” 

" But, brother, you will at least abstain from — ” 

" I can promise nothing, Edward. I would have given you 
the first chance of winning Miss Perclass, although the sacrifice 
would have been greater than you ever could have understood ; 
but, as it is, I now consider myself at liberty to act as I choose, 
and according to my own feelings.” With these words he left 
the room. 

Edward stood still for a little time, looking at the door, which 
had shut after his brother, but then lifted his arm and shook it 
threateningly after him, muttering, between his tightly closed 
teeth, " We shall see, we shall .see, brother mine ! ” 


36 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


CHAPTER IX. 

A FASHIONABLE COUPLE. 

" Christmas is at hand,” said Mrs. Arnold to her sons one 
evening, as they were together in the large sitting-room. " One 
day more and it will be Christ mas-eve. I intend having your 
cousin Marie here at the presentation of the gifts ; but as their 
time for this ceremony also is Christmas-eve, and, consequently, 
she would not be able to leave home on that evening, I shall put 
off our distribution until the evening of Christmas-day, What 
do you say to this arrangement ? ” 

"I think it excellent,” answered Edward. 

"Perhaps you perceive that I have a reason for going out of 
the usual way ? ” Getting no answer, she went on explaining. 
"You remember our conversation on the first evening of 
Augustus’ return ? I then expressed my wish that one of you 
should marry Marie. I left it entirely to yourselves which of 
you should choose her. I even went further than this ; I 
mentioned that, if you should prefer any other lady than your 
cousin, I should not put any obstacle in your way, provided she 
possessed wealth and came from a family equal to our own. 
Now you understand, I presume, what I mean, and what I 
expect, if I invite your cousin for the Christmas festivities ? If 
you have already chosen partners for life, — that means, settled 
your mind on particular young ladies, — you have to tell me so, 
for then I shall not invite Marie.” Mrs. Arnold looked inquir- 
ingly at each of her sons, and, getting no answer, continued : " I 
do not mean to pry into your affairs, nor make you acknowledge 
what you, for some time yet, would rather keep to yourselves ; 
but you must see how awkward it would be if I should ask your 
cousin, and nothing were to follow; for I do not only want 
to ask her here, but also wish that one of you should then make 
her a handsome present, — an act alone so out of the common, 
that she could not help guessing that there must be a reason for 
such particular attention.” 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


37 


" As I am the oldest,” Edward answered at last, " I think to 
try my luck first with Marie. If I should not succeed,” he added, 
stroking his beard complacently, and lazily watching the smoke 
of his cigar, as it rose in pale rings to the ceiling, "I make 
room for my brother.” 

" Quite right. This is only fair ; ” and a look of entire satis- 
faction settled on the matron’s face. She went on : "And what 
does my youngest say ? ” 

"Mother,” said Edward, a little impatiently, "will it not be 
enough to get one son settled in life, at least at present? Leave 
Augustus alone, and be satisfied at having one of your favorite 
wishes fulfilled.” 

"Perhaps you are right, Edward. Besides, Augustus has not 
had much time to look about him amongst the ladies of our 
city.” 

"What would you say, mother,” asked Augustus, "if our 
cousin’s heart had chosen already, and she should decline 
Edward’s attention?” 

"If the chosen one were you,” replied his mother, "I should 
be just as much satisfied.” 

" There is no fear of Marie ever letting her heart speak,” said 
Edward, laughingly; "she has been well trained in the same 
school with us, and what our mother forgot, her mother surely 
pointed out to her daughter, in the art of getting excellently 
settled in this world. I can tell you, brother, our cousin is a 
most apt pupil. Position, riches, and good connexion, — these 
are her watchwords. Her teachers need not be ashamed of her. 
Now, mother, about this present. What shall I give her ? You 
know what would suit a young lady better than I do.” 

"What would you say to a handsome set of pearls?” 

" Rather extravagant, considering that nothing is settled yet.” 

A look of scorn for his want of confidence in his success, and 
a short " We can afford it, I hope,” answered him. 

"Very well; I shall go to Rosenfeld to-morrow to buy the 
jewelry, and I promise to do my best on Christmas-day.” 

On Christmas-evening, when Marie had admired the rich gift, 
well knowing what it meant, and had accepted the compliments 


38 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


of aunt and cousin, who said how well it would become her com- 
plexion, and all that, Edward contrived to get her to himself, 
and then made up his mind to strike while the iron was hot. 
He asked her in an expressive whisper whether she could not 
guess why he had presented her with that set? And when a 
confessing blush answered him, he proceeded to tell her that it 
had been his mother’s most cherished wish to see them married ; 
that he, too, long ago had fondly hoped to call her his wife, 
and asked whether he had hoped in vain. 

" You will see my parents, Edward, and take your answer from 
them ; for on their decision depends my favoring your suit or not.” 

” You speak as I expected,” said Edward, "and as a dutiful 
daughter ought to speak. I shall see your parents to-morrow.” 
With these words they went to join the others. 

The next day he paid a visit to his uncle and aunt, and left 
their house a betrothed man. Three weeks after, the betrothal 
took place in the house of the intended bride. All the splendor 
and wealth of the two families was exhibited ; toasts and health 
were drank in rare wines ; congratulations were presented, and 
the future happiness of the youthful couple was accepted as a 
matter of no doubt. The wedding was to be in September, on 
the lady’s birthday, and, in the interval, the happy groom was 
expected to spend every spare hour with his lady love. Many 
purchases of furniture, dress, and all kinds of luxuries had to be 
made, and Mr. Arnold had to give his approval to everything. 
He had to ride with his future wife, — walk, travel, sing, dance 
with her, and escort her to gardens, concerts, balls, and parties. 
In short, his duty was to wait upon her slightest wishes, and 
seem happy in being allowed to gratify them. He knew how to 
do all this to perfection, and with such admirable ease, that his 
brother often wondered whether he really had forgotten his 
love for Miss Perclass. 

No, he had not forgotten it, — never could cease to remember 
that he had been rejected, nor abandon the hope of being one 
day revenged for it. He watched his brother’s 'proceedings 
closely, and there was hardly any act of his of which he had not 
cognizance. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


39 


CHAPTER X. 

BY CHANCE. 

Bertha had gone to see her friend, brimful with curiosity, 
for she had heard some wdiisperings about Mr. Augustus Arnold 
paying marked court to Willma, and that he even had visited 
her. Gossip raised its hands, wondering what the world would 
come to. 

The two friends had been sitting together for about half an 
hour without exchanging confidences, — Willma being intent on 
following the course of her thoughts, which must have been of a 
happy kind, judging by the joyous light that played in her eyes. 
Bertha was furtively watching her, not knowing how to begin 
her inquiries. At last, she asked, half timidly, half impa- 
tiently, "You have nothing to tell me, Willma, though we have 
not seen each other for a week ? ” 

"Nothing very particular. Nothing worth speaking of has 
happened.” 

"Nothing? Has Mr. Arnold stopped making ' window pa- 
rade ’ to you ? ” 

"Who told you that he does? ” said Willma, blushing at the 
mention of that name. 

" There must be some truth in it, or else you would not blush,” 
said her friend. " However, I am not going to beat about the 
bush any longer, but ask you, point-blank, does Mr. Augustus 
Arnold make ' window parade ’ to you every afternoon ? ” 

"I cannot say, Bertha,” replied Willma, smiling archly; "he 
certainly rides past this house every afternoon ; but, you know, 
there are many other houses in the row.” 

" This is all very well to tell some one else, Willma ; but it 
will not do with me, for I happen to know who sent you the 
bouquet of camellias, and also who escorted you home on the 
evening of that concert. Upon my word, a most beautiful 
beginning of an interesting romance, and he would be, indeed, 
more than human if he did not follow up his advantage. What 


40 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


do people mean,” Bertha inquired further, " by telling me, that 
he even visits you ? ” 

A painful blush spread over Willma’s features, and somewhat 
hotly she asked, " Who dares to meddle with my affairs? ” 

" Nay, my friend, not so hastily. If Mr. Arnold is seen to 
enter the house of a gentleman who happens to have a young 
and charming daughter, how can people who have eyes refrain 
from speaking about it ? ” 

" May not Mr. Arnold have come to consult with my father ? ” 

"Very likely, when Dr. Gartner, his own uncle, is their 
family physician. Come, come, Willma, tell me the truth, and 
I can stop people’s mouths with it. ” 

"What care I what they say? Let them talk. Still I do 
not mean to deprive you of the comfort of defending me,” said 
Willma, with a smile, " so here it is : Mr. Arnold certainly did 
come to see me.” 

" I call that cool,” said Bertha, highly interested. " Go on.” 

"Well, he came to see me on business.” 

"What kind? Of love?” 

" Do not speak nonsense, Bertha, but be sensible. He had 
found a silver porte-monnaie, with the initials W. P. engraven on 
the lid, and thinking if might be mine, he came to restore it to 
me. So you see there is not much love about such a trifle.” 

"We shall see,” remarked Bertha, dryly. " He is very lucky, 
any way. Many an enamored swain might stalk about the 
streets without getting such a chance of being able to visit his 
lady-love.” 

"Do you mean one of your swains?” asked Willma, 
jokingly.' 

"Yes, I do,” replied Bertha. 

"And would you like them to visit you? You see that 
people make remarks about this one innocent call that Mr. 
Arnold made here.” 

" They would not speak about me, for I should manage the 
whole thing differently. I should tell all about it to Tom, 
Dick, and Harry. It would not be my fliult, if, before the day 
was over, the whole town was in possession of the facts.” 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


41 


”1 do believe you would.” 

"Now, Willma, let us go back to that visit. What did he 
say ? What do you think of him ? How are his manners ? ” 

"For goodness’ sake, stop,” cried her friend. "How in the 
world should I be able to answer so many questions at once ? 
Let us begin with one. I think him a perfect gentleman. His 
manners are very pleasing, and he is quiet and rather reserved. 
We did not speak much. He was sorry that papa was not at 
home.” 

"Very likely,” remarked Bertha, quietly ; " and so were you, 
of course ? ” 

"If you want to hear, why do you not listen?” said Willma, 
laughing, in spite of herself. • 

" Go on. I could not help it.” 

" Then he told me how and where he found the porte-monnaie, 
made a few more trifling remarks, and took his leave.” 

"Incfeed? So this is all? Well, mark my words, he comes 
again.” 

"Not very likely. He knows that it could not please me.” 

"He will find some other excuse. I assure you — ” A sharp 
knock at the door interrupted her, and on Willma’s " Come in,” 
the door opened, and Mr. Arnold entered the room ! A flash 
of joy in Willma’s eye ; but then the recollection that he ought 
not to have come again, and a flush of annoyance suffused her 
face. 

"Mr. Arnold, my friend, Miss Bauer.” 

The introduction over, Mr. Arnold, who had noticed the 
expression of Willma’s face, and attributed it to the right cause, 
hurried to explain the reason of his presence. "I beg your 
pardon, ladies, for thus intruding on you, but, riding past the 
house, I saw this little child,” — here he brought forward a dirty 
little girl, who looked purple all over from cold, whose eyes 
were red from crying, and one of whose hands was frightfully 
swollen, — "I perceived this little one, sitting on your step, weep- 
ing bitterly. I tied my horse to a tree, crossed the street, and, 
seeing the child’s hand thus disfigured, thought it best to bring 
her up here, as perhaps Dr. Perclass could do something for it.” 


42 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


"I am very glad, Mr. Arnold, that you have done so,” said 
Willma, and her features lit up with pleasure. " Will you please 
ring the bell, just behind you? Catherina,” — to the servant who 
entered, — "go to my father and say that I beg him to step over 
here at once. Then go to the pantry and bring some of the 
largest cakes to this little sufferer, and — listen — see whether 
you can find some warm old clothing upstairs. Poor little soul ! ” 
she said to the child, "you are quite cold, come up to the stove. 
Sit in this warm chair and get thawed a little. Who hurt 
you ? ” 

"A naughty boy threw a stone at me,” was the sobbing 
answer. 

" Naughty boy ! Never mind, here is a cake,” as Catherina 
entered the room, "and here is some one who will make you 
well again,” Wilma said, seeing her father come in. 

" Ah, Mr. Arnold,” said Dr. Perclass ; "what brings you here ? 
Not ill, I hope? ” 

" Not I ; but this little girl whom I found sitting on your 
steps, crying bitterly.” 

" Catherina, bring water,” the doctor ordered at once. " It is 
nothing serious; and also 'some old linen,” he went on, after 
having examined the hand. " Here is something that will soothe 
the pain ; ” pouring some cooling liquid over the swollen hand, 
and tying it up. "It must be kept bandaged for a few days, 
and then all will be right again. To whom does the child 
belong ? ” 

" It is one' of the children of Margaretha, the washerwoman,” 
said Bertha. " She lives down in the Z winger. I shall take her 
home when I leave this.” 

"I should like to offer my service,” said Mr. Arnold; "but 
my horse is waiting, and pawing impatiently. ” 

"We can bring the child home very well,” said Willma. 

" This is unnecessary,” remarked Dr. Perclass ; " wrap her up 
warmly, give her a few more cakes, and Catherina can carry 
her home. Miss Bauer, please inform her where the child’s 
mother lives.” Then he retired, and the three young people 
were left to themselves. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


43 


Mr. Arnold made use of the few moments, and said to Will- 
ma, " The young gentlemen of the club were speaking last 
night of a sleighing party, for next Sunday afternoon. If it 
takes place, which will be decided this evening, may I have the 
pleasure of giving you a seat in my sleigh? ” 

" I shall be very happy to accept your invitation, if my father 
gives his permission.” 

" Then I shall call on Sunday morning at eleven, after church, 
to ask his consent. I wish you good-day ; ” and, with one fond 
look at her, he left the room. 

For the world, Willma could not have lifted her eyes, as he 
said " good-by.” She knew he was waiting for one look ; but 
she felt also that he would read in hers the deep, fervent love 
which filled her whole heart, and the joy and happiness she 
wanted to hide from him, as long as he had not told her of his 
own feelings. 

She was awakened from her thoughts by a soft " Good-by,” 
whispered in her ears, and a " By chance, Willma, by chance ! ” 
She heard the door shut, and knew she was alone, and that 
Bertha guessed all. 


CHAPTER XI. 

AT THE CLUB. 

The room at the club-house, especially set apart for the use 
of the younger members, was filling fast. Smartly dressed 
waiting-maids, with white aprons and gay ribbons, were trip- 
ping busily about, rinsing glasses, filling them with the foaming 
beverage from the freshly tapped casks, and distributing them 
amongst the guests whose names were engraved upon the metal 
lids of each glass ; clouds of smoke, issuing from the different 
pipes and cigars, wrapping the company in a veil of gray, and 
making them almost invisible, filled the room. There was gen- 


44 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


eral talking, until at last Edward Arnold, the president of the 
party, seated himself in his chair, and began to address them as 
follows : — 

" Gentlemen, the weather being admirably suited fora sleigh- 
ing party, we have agreed that one should take place to-morrow 
afternoon. We have met this evening to arrange this matter, 
and I propose that each of us shall give his name* and that of 
the lady he intends inviting to accompany him. I, for one, 
shall of course take Miss Gartner.” 

Having written this down, he said, "Augustus, do you 
mean to invite any one ? ” 

"I shall take Miss Perclass.” 

"The devil you will !” muttered Edward, angrily, and almost 
unable to control his temper ; however, he succeeded so far, as 
to be able to say aloud : — 

"All right, brother. You, Max Weber? ” 

" Miss Ziegler.” 

" I thought so,” said the president, laughingly ; " most faith- 
ful swain. Carl Fisher?” 

" Miss Bauer.” 

" Ah, we take to the fence in order to be near the garden? 
Wise fellow ! ” 

Thus he went on from one to the other, until only two more 
were left. 

"Now, Herbert, whom do you invite?” 

"I know no one for whom I care to throw away my money,” 
was the gruff reply. 

" What, sulky ? That means that some one has been before 
you, and that the grapes are sour. Never mind, old fellow. It 
is an excellent school for being taught resignation. And you, 
Becher.” 

" Cannot afford it.” 

"A most satisfactory reason this. You two, nevertheless, 
can be of use, if you like. We want two to ride to-morrow to 
Uhlbach, to order a good dinner to be ready when we arrive, 
and also some one to go to the authorities of the town to arrange 
with them about the music and the dancing ; it being Sunday, you 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


45 


know, both are not allowed, but offering some money to the 
mayor, and so forth, will get us the permission. What do you 
say as to undertaking this task?” 

" We are willing,” answered both. 

" Well, then, you have to get your horses and leave this about 
ten o’clock in the morning. This settled, we proceed to the 
invitations. You gentlemen go after church to the different 
houses, invite the ladies, get the consent of the parents ; then 
look sharp about as to your sleighs and horses, to be ready by 
one o’clock to fetch the ladies from their homes, not failing to 
be by two at the starting-place, from which we proceed ; the 
sleigh with the music at the head, to drive around the Graben, 
then through Katherina Street, and last through Williams Street, 
thence leaving the city to go to Uhlbach. We are exactly thirty 
pairs, that is, thirty sleighs, — a beautiful procession, which will 
open all the windows, especially when they hear the music. 
This, then, is all arranged, and nothing remains for me but to 
go this evening to Keller to engage his band. Therefore, good 
night, gentlemen. Lena, one more glass, and then farewell 
until to-morrow, — to your bright eyes and tempting lips.” 

" Do not waste your sweet words upon me ; give them to Miss 
Gartner,” answered the girl, pertly. " If she knew of all your 
doings ! ” 

" Much better as it is, my dear, much better and, chucking 
the girl under her chin, he left the room, accompanied by his 
brother. 

They had hardly reached the street when Edward burst forth : 
"Are you made to proclaim your attachment to Miss Perclass?” 

" I do not see it in this light, brother,” answered Augustus, 
quietly. "Have not all the other gentlemen invited ladies for 
to-morrow, and does every one of them mean something serious ? 
Some of them cannot even think of marrying. Why should 
they think that I have some particular reason for inviting her ? ” 

"But you are differently situated. I do not exactly mean 
what people would say or think ; but our mother will surely hear 
of it ; for she will ask you, and what will you answer her?” 

"The truth.” 


46 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON * 


" She has especially told you not to pay too much attention to 
Miss Perclass.” 

"Then I shall tell her, that, in this case, unless she gives me 
sufficient reason for her prejudices, I must act as I think best, 
and as my heart tells me.” 

" Pshaw, Augustus, you know you will only set her against 
you, and as for your heart speaking and all that, why, she thinks 
this sheer nonsense.” 

" I am sorry to believe so too, but still I am determined to 
do as I say.” 

" Then you have a great deal more courage than I have. 
What do you mean, — do you intend to propose to Miss Perclass 
to-morrow ?” 

"I do not know what I may do ; still I have, as yet, no mind 
to tell her of my feelings, for this state of uncertainty is to me 
too delicious for me to break it, perhaps, by being refused. 
Now I can speak to her, and give her to understand by my looks 
and manner how much I love her ; but once refused I lose this 
right.” 

" This is mock modesty. You must be sure that she loves 
you in return?” 

" Why should I? Such great happiness, — the thought alone 
makes me weak as a child ! Surely it is too much to expect.” 

" You make me ashamed of you, Augustus. However, have 
your own way. Mind, this is the last time I shall warn you.” 
With these words he left him to his thoughts, while he went to 
Mr. Keller to engage his band ; muttering to himself while he 
was walking along : " Then he has not yet spoken to her ; this is 
all I wanted to find out, neither will he to-morrow. He is too 
chicken-hearted, and he shall never propose if I can h#lp it ! ” 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


47 


CHAPTER XII. 

PLEADING FOR HIS RIGHT. 

The sleighing party ended satisfactorily to all, especially to 
Willma and Augustus, who, happy in each other’s society, 
wanted nothing more. Every look, every action, showed how 
dear they were each to each ; it needed no words to express their 
mutual love. 

On Monday morning, when mother and sons were assembled 
at the breakfast- table, Mrs. Arnold, turning to Augustus, said, 
"You were enjoying yourself yesterday, I suppose? As you 
did not dine here, I had no chance to ask you whether you went 
alone, or whether you had invited a lady to bear you company 
at the sleighing party ? ” 

Augustus’ heart began to beat, for he knew that now the com- 
bat was unavoidable, so he nerved himself, and said, quietly, "I 
enjoyed myself very much, as I had a lady in my sleigh.” 

" Do I know her ? ” 

" I do not think that you ever saw her.” 

" Indeed ! What is her name ? Is that also unknown to me ? ” 

" No. I think you have heard Miss Perclass’ name mentioned 
before.” 

He was looking straight into his mother’s eyes, and saw there 
an expression, when he pronounced that name, so entirely dis- 
couraging to his faint hopes, that his heart sank to the lowest. 

"Did I understand you right? You invited Miss Perclass ? ” 

"Perfectly correct, mother, — that was the lady.” 

"Did you remember what I told- you on the evening of the 
first ball?” asked the old lady, sternly. 

"I have not forgotten it.” 

"And still you persisted in acting directly against my so 
plainly expressed wishes ? ” 

" WilLyou not allow me, mother, to put the case in a different 
light? Will you let me tell you the view I take? ” 

" Go on, I shall listen ; but do not think to move me by one qf 


48 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


your sentimental speeches, or make me waver one hair’s breadth 
from my resolution. My money shall be divided equally among 
you two, only if you marry according to my wishes.” 

" You have a right to do with your money, mother, what you 
like, but will you not consider first, how unusual it is in this 
country for parents to make a will at all ; and, if they do, that 
it always denotes that the disinherited child may be supposed 
to have done some disgraceful deed to drive a father or a mother 
so far? What have I done to deserve to be so severely treated? 
Nothing. I only desire to choose a wife after my own heart 
and to my own liking. Is this dreadful and unnatural ? Have 
I not even the right, that the most common laborer has, to try 
to secure my own happiness after my own way? Surely, 
mother, you could not be so unjust as to forbid this?” 

" Have I not given you a very good reason why I disapprove 
of Miss Perclass as your wife?” Mrs. Arnold replied, angrily. 

"You have given me a reason that suffices you , but not me. 
In fact, I do not consider it a reason at all. The lady’s charac- 
ter itself is so beyond all doubt, her qualities are of such superior 
order, that nobody could dare to say anything against her. This 
satisfies me, but to please you, mother, I go farther, and refer 
to Dr. Perclass himself. There, again, nothing unfavorable can 
be said. On the contrary, he is not only highly esteemed as an 
eminent physician, but also loved and respected, by high and 
low, as a good citizen.” 

" But his parents and brothers ? ” 

"Mother, this is absurd. What have we to do with his par- 
ents, — who are dead long ago, — and his brothers, — all honor- 
able men, who would be ashamed to do a mean deed, — one a 
farmer, another a school-master in a village, and the third, mayor 
of a small place, it is true ; but has not wise old Diogenes said 
that he would rather be the first in a village than the last in a 
city ? ” 

"My son, have you no particle of pride left in you? Will 
you not remember his low parentage ? ” 

"Why, if you want to have it so,” cried Augustus, roused at 
last by his mother’s obstinacy, — " why should this lower Dr. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


49 


Perclass ? Who is more to be admired and esteemed, — he who, 
having to battle with difficulties, rises by his energy and indus- 
try, by his intellect and perseverance, and climbs the ladder of 
society until he has reached the highest step, where his example 
fires others to overcome the obstacles which birth has thrown in 
their way, and to conquer likewise ; or he who, simply by the ac- 
cident of nature, is born noble and rich, and without being obliged 
to use the great gifts which Providence may have given him, 
takes easily, and without one struggle, all the advantages this 
accident has provided for him ? Mother, your good sense must 
show you who is right and who is wrong in this argument.” 

For answer the lady held up her hands in horror, and cried 
shame at his vulgar and disgraceful opinions. But Augustus 
heeded it not, and went on. 

"Mother, having now come thus far, let me plead a little 
farther. I want to speak to you as a child to a mother, whose 
greatest grief it is to seem to disobey and to displease her. You 
have only us two. One of us has acted entirely to your satis- 
faction,. and, I hope, also, to his own. The second, it seems, 
has to act against your pleasure, or give up the thought of his 
future happiness, drive away the pictures of joy which have 
been sunshine to his soul, and the realization of which would 
have made this world a paradise to him. Mother, dear,” — taking 
her hand fondly, and looking pleadingly into her eyes, — "do you 
wish me to give up my dearest hopes? Can you, as my mother, 
will it so? Speak, dearest — ” 

"No more at present, no more,” she /said, rising quickly. 
"You shall hear my decision in an hour hence.” 

She left the room hastily, and the two brothers were left alone. 

Scarcely had she gone, when Edward, who had during the 
whole conversation taken refuge behind a newspaper, burst 
forth : — 

"By Jupiter, Augustus, you have tackled the old lady. I do 
not think that she was ever spoken to like this before. You 
have moved her, too, but you will not conquer her.” 

Augustus did not answer. He had laid his head on his arms, 
waiting with beating heart until he should be summoned. 

4 


50 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

RECOLLECTIONS OF PAST DAYS. 

"Your mother wants to speak to you in her room, sir,” was 
the message a servant delivered to Augustus after the lapse of an 
hour. He had to steady himself when he got up, before he was 
able to leave his place. With slow steps he entered his moth- 
er’s apartment, and, without a word, went up to her. She had 
looked around when he came in, but then turned her face towards 
the window at which she was seated, so that he could not see it. 
Stopping before her, she held out her hand to him, still keeping 
her head averted, and said, in a low voice, "I consent.” 

Augustus was overpowered by emotion. Taking her hand 
tenderly, and pressing his lips repeatedly to it, he said, fer- 
vently, with a deep, trembling voice, "Thank you, mother, 
dearest mother.” 

* 

"I wish you all happiness, my son. You can never know 
how much this has cost me. Never!” she repeated, almost 
unconsciously. "Now leave me ; I wish to be alone.” 

Seeing that his mother was deeply affected, and, knowing that 
she disliked to have her emotion observed, he obeyed in silence. 

Going back to the room where he had left his brother, he was 
received with : — 

"You do not look as if you had conquered?” 

"My mother consents, freely,” was the short reply. 

"By Jove, you are a lucky fellow ! But why have you such 
a long face ? ” 

" My happiness is too deep for outward show.” 

"And now you will be in a hurry to make sure of her love 
by proposing at once ? ” 

Augustus looked up as one awakening from a deep sleep. 
"Yes,” he said, slowly, "I think so.” 

"Will it be to-day or to-morrow?” inquired Edward, with 
forced gayety. 

"Not to-day.” 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


51 


" You do not seem to be in a hurry ? ” 

"We understand each other without words.” 

Now let us go back and discover what had so strangely 
changed Mrs. Arnold. Augustus had touched her to the heart. 
She could not deny that his was the best of the argument, al- 
though his sentiments sounded new, bold, and strange to her. 
Nobody ever before had dared so to speak to her ; but she had 
to confess that Augustus, during the whole interview, had con- 
ducted himself not only like a gentleman, but also deferentially 
and respectfully as became a son. He had fought for his opin- 
ion, and for his love, manfully, acknowledging that to displease 
her would be a sore grief to him. She could not help respect- 
ing him, although the battle was against her. By the time she 
had reached her room and seated herself at her desk, her feelings 
had undergone a complete revolution, and all was in favor of her 
son’s suit. Still her pride was not quite conquered. Almost 
unconsciously she had placed her finger on a hidden spring in 
her desk, pressed it, and a secret drawer sprang forward on her 
touch. Her thoughts wandered far back to the past, when she, 
too, was young, had loved, had been wooed and won by an hon- 
orable man, whose love she had lost only by her own folly. 
That one thoughtless act had blighted all her life, and remorse had 
made of her the cold, proud woman she was now. All this 
passed before her mind’s eye while sitting there, and her stern 
features began to work, and a tear trickled slowly over her 
wrinkled cheek, now worn by age and furrowed by emotion. 
She put her hand into the drawer and drew forth a picture of a 
gentleman in his prime, set in a simple frame of mother-of-pearl ; 
also, two letters, yellow from age, whose ink was so pale as to 
make it difficult to decipher the words. One letter was in a 
female hand, addressed, " To my dearest Wilhelm,” and signed, 
"Your loving Elizabeth,” containing a request, almost a condi- 
tion, to their prospective union. The other, in the handwriting 
of a gentleman, and addressed to "Miss Elizabeth .Gartner,” 
signed "Wilhelm Perclass.” It was the answer to the first letter, 
and ran as follows : — 


52 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


“It is useless to describe my feelings after having mastered the contents 
of your letter, in which you wish me to disown my poor, but honest and re- 
spected, parents. It is enough to say that I should never be able to hold up 
my head as an honorable man, were I to do such a mean and cowardly act. 
Further have I to mention that, although loving you even yet, I never could 
honor a woman, as I should wish to honor and respect my wife, knowing that 
her pride had made her forget that she ought to have a heart. Therefore I 
have to submit to the sorrow which Providence has seen fit to lay upon me, 
and try to tear out of my heart the love which I deeply and truly feel for 
you.” 


After having read over the letters, she took up the likeness 
and looked at it long and tenderly. " No, she said, ” you will 
never consent to their union ; you will conclude that the son is 
like the mother. I try to atone for my wrong*; but you, — will 
you forgive and forget?” The full, intelligent brown eye of 
the picture seemed to smile at her, as if assuring her of his for- 
giveness ; but the firm mouth with its expression of determina- 
tion seemed to refuse. The noble, high, broad forehead gave 
signs of pride, too ; but pride of a higher order than rank, sta- 
tion, or wealth. " What evil spirit made me ever write that 
letter?” mused the old lady, still looking earnestly at the 
handsome, manly face. "It was not want of heart. No, Wil- 
helm, you were wrong there. It was more to test the power 
I had over you. But the past is passed. I will atone, Wil- 
helm, I will.” So saying, she put all back into the drawer, 
which shut with a click, and rang the bell to have her son 
called. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE FIRST OF MAY. 

There was nothing now to prevent Augustus from declaring 
his feelings openly to Miss Perclass, as the rock which kept 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


53 


him from his happiness was now removed from his path. Still, 
week after week slipped on, and he had not yet ascertained 
what he might expect from his future. A dread of some un- 
known trouble held him back, and he lingered to obtain assur- 
ance that his love was returned. 

This way he lived on until spring, when the newspapers 
announced that, the weather permitting, on the first of May all 
the public gardens would be opened and bands of music playing. 
This he thought would be a good opportunity to meet Willma, 
and to venture to risk the question. There, under the influ- 
ences of mirth and music, while walking with him under the 
trees of the broad avenues, under the blue heavens, with the 
bright sun above them, should she answer him, and tell him — 
that she would be his. In her beautiful, honest eyes, looking 
straight into his, he would then read her love, while her truth- 
ful lips should confirm the assurance of his happiness. After 
having so resolved, he felt easier and less sad than for some 
weeks. He breathed freer, and pictures of a bright future, with 
Willma at his side, occupied his thoughts and filled his heart 
with joy. 

The last April day came, and he changed his mind again. 
He would know, by the first of May, what was in store for him, 
and therefore, as he could not see her before that day, would 
write to her, telling her of his love and asking her to become his 
wife. He wrote the letter, got a lovely bouquet to send with 
it, begging her to carry it in her hand next day as a sign for 
him that his suit was accepted ; should she omit to do so, it 
would save him the pain of hearing from her own lips the death 
of all hi§ brightest and fondest hopes. 

He called a boy whom he saw passing on the road, asked him 
whether he knew the house of Dr. Perclass, gave him, after he 
had answered "I think I do,” the letter with the flowers, and, 
having pressed some money into his hand, told him to be sure 
to give them to Miss Perclass herself. After repeating his 
orders again, to make sure that the lad had rightly understood 
him, he let him go, watching him as he ran quickly down the 
road. 


54 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


May-day broke bright and lovely upon the expecting world 
of Moosdorf, and Augustus, looking out of his window, took 
it for a good omen. In the afternoon he went with his brother 
and Miss Gartner to one of the gardens. His heart beat high 
with fear and hope. They entered the gate, passed through 
one or two avenues, to seek a suitable table, when they unex- 
pectedly came upon Dr. Perclass, who, with his daughter by his 
side, was also looking for a proper place. They saluted each 
other, exchanged a few friendly words, and were at the point 
of passing on, when Dr. Perclass saw Augustus suddenly grow 
deadly pale, while pressing his hand to his side, trying to gain 
the support of a tree close by. He staggered, and would have 
fallen, had not the doctor caught him in his arms. Willma 
gave a faint cry, and hurried nearer ; but her father held her 
back, asking a waitress, who just then happened to pass by, to 
bring a glass of water. His wish having been complied with, 
he made Augustus swallow the liquid, after which he gradually 
revived. 

" You must excuse me for thus upsetting you all,” he said, 
after a pause, and trying to smile. " I feel better and shall be 
able to go home now. I anticipated so much pleasure from this 
afternoon, but” — he was unable to finish. One long, sad, 
yearning look at the face he loved best on earth, and then, 
bowing, he turned to leave the garden. 

" Shall I not go home with you, brother? I can leave Marie 
in the charge of the doctor until I come back.” 

"No, thank you, I can go home alone.” 

"Keep yourself quiet for the day, and you will be all right 
by to-morrow.” 

No answer came back to show that he had heard Dr. Per- 
class’ advice. 

"Has he these attacks often?” asked the doctor of Edward. 

" I never saw him this way,” was the answer. 

" He does not look very strong,” remarked the former again. 

" Do you think so?” asked Edward, anxiously. 

"No, he does not look as if he could bear many shocks.” 

Augustus staggered on like one drunk, until he reached his 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


55 


home. His mother met him in the passage, and, surprised at 
his coming back so soon and looking so ill, asked him what 
was the matter ; but he passed her like one dreaming, entered 
his room, locked the door, and threw himself on a sofa, groaning 
like one in pain. " Lost, lost ! ” he cried, at last. " My bright- 
est, my most cherished hopes shivered, — dashed to the ground. 
I know now, why I hesitated, from day to day, to put the 
question. She loves me not, she cares not for me, and rejects 
my honest affections.” Then he sprang up, rang the bell vio- 
lently, and gave orders to have his horse saddled, and wine 
brought in. He hastily drank some, descended the stairs, and 
rode off; he did not care whither, — anywhere, so as to be 
alone with his thoughts. 

On meeting Willma in the gardeu, Augustus expected to see 
the bouquet in her hand. It was not there ; and it was then 
that he felt that frightful pain, and all grew dark and dizzy 
before his eyes ; for he knew that he was refused. He had not 
lifted his eyes to her face, and therefore did not see the joyous 
look that flashed across it on seeing him, nor the beaming smile 
that was playing around her lips to welcome him. After he 
had left the garden, the day had lost its charms for her ; the 
brightness had flown from it, and the lively music seemed to be 
mocking her in her disappointment. The sad, yearning eyes 
of Augustus were ever before her, and she could hardly keep 
back her tears. Her father noticed her sadness, and, attribut- 
ing it to the illness of Mr. Arnold, said, "He will be all right 
to-morrow.” They went home sooner than usual, and thus the 
day, commenced by both with such pleasant feelings, ended 
with bringing sorrow and anxiety to loving hearts. 

Two days passed, and Willma had not seen Augustus. He 
had not ridden past the house as usual, and she began to fear 
that his attack might have had serious consequences. The 
third day she ventured to ask her father whether he had heard 
anything of Mr. Arnold. "He is quite well again,” was the 
answer, " for I saw him yesterday.” 

"You have seen him, papa? ” 

"Yes, riding down the road. He saluted me, stopped his 


56 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


horse and told me that he had recovered. He did not look 
well, though.” 

Willma turned away in silence. A wild fear had taken pos- 
session of her heart, and a tear, hot and burning, fell from her 
eye. Thus several days passed. He never came. A deep 
despair had come upon her ; she neglected her music, and her 
poor flowers hung their heads, for she forgot to water them. 
A concert took place at the club-house, and she persuaded her 
father to go there, hoping she might meet Augustus, and dis- 
cover the clue to his conduct. She saw him there ; he only 
bowed and passed her. A hot flush of mortification spread 
over her face, and tears of humiliation sprang into her ej^es. 
She saw it all now : he had trifled with her until he was sure of 
having won her affection, and then, — had thrown her off. 
" Cruel, cruel ! ” she murmured to herself ; " but pride shall 
help me now. He is not worth a triumph. I shall carry my 
head high, and smiles shall hide the sufferings of my heart.” 
Then silvery w T as her laughter and sparkling her eyes when, 
after the performance was over, Augustus noticed her speaking 
to some of her friends while passing him in the hall. 

Several weeks elapsed, and pride had well sustained her in 
the battle. Neither look nor feature had shown Augustus, at 
their casual meetings, that her heart was his. Polite bows, a 
few formal words when necessary, were all they exchanged in 
public. Willma could bear it no longer ; she must have rest. 
She therefore asked her father to let her go on a visit to her 
sister Thusnelda ; to which he readily consented, for he had 
noticed her feverish excitement of late, and thought that change 
would benefit her. 

People, as Bertha told her friend, had begun to remark that 
Augustus Arnold had ceased to pay attention to Miss Perclass. 
Some said that he had trifled with her, and thought him a vil- 
lain. Others, again, insisted that she had refused him, and 
called her a coquette. So, taking all in all, Willma was glad to 
leave home for a short time. 

Mrs. Arnold had referred to Miss Perclass only once, asking 
her sou, whether all would soon be settled; but he only re- 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


57 


quested her never to speak of that matter again, and, seeing the 
pain she had inflicted by her question, said sadly, "My poorbo}^, 
I knew it would be so,” and abstained from ever mentioning the 
subject again. 

Summer passed into September. Great preparations for Ed- 
ward’s wedding were made. The day had drawn near, and at 
last the young pair had been made husband and wife, and gone 
on a wedding tour to Switzerland, not to return before October. 
Augustus and his mother were now left alone, each having their 
thoughts to brood over. He had often been ill lately, and his 
uncle, Dr. Gartner, had repeatedly advised him to travel for a 
little while ; but he obstinately refused to listen to such counsel, 
and never left his home. 


FA.RT II. 


CHAPTER I. 

SYLVESTER-EVE. 

There was a rumor at Moosdorf that Mr. Meisner, the highly 
esteemed and honored director and founder of the Ladies’ 
Institute, was going to remove to another city. It was said 
that many candidates had answered the advertisements for a new 
director, but that, after long consultation of the committee, a 
selection, .at last, had been made, — a clergyman, who pame 
highly recommended as a man of great talent, and provided 
with excellent testimonials from the professors of the university 
at which he had graduated. It was farther affirmed that he had 
been, for more than two years, vicar of an obscure village. He 
was now daily expected at Moosdorf. 

It was Sylvester-eve. The day was cold and stormy. The 
snow fell in thick, large flakes, quickly covering the ground. 


58 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


The storm howled through the streets, making doors and win- 
dows shake in their frames. Neither wind nor snow could, on 
that evening, keep the gentlemen from their club, unless some 
urgent business called them elsewhere. Nor were the young 
ladies less courageous ; for nothing could have prevented them 
from going to see their friends, and spending the evening, either 
in having their fortune told with cards, or by looking into mud- 
dy water, or throwing the white of an egg into a tumblerful 
of water, telling, by the shape it assumed, what fortune or mis- 
fortune the future was to bring them ; or, best and most relied 
on of all, by melting lead and throwing it into cold water, 
watching it harden, and twist, and form into all kinds of fantas- 
tic figures, by which they then ascertained the occupation of 
their future husbands. Willma Perclass, who had come back 
from her visit to her sister only a week before, also had her 
friends with her, and they were already deeply engaged in 
important preparations for that evening’s amusements. Lead, 
eggs, tumblers, water, cards, and so forth, were ready, — the 
young ladies standing about, talking in high excitement. Fruit 
and cakes had been placed on a side-table, with several pitchers 
of cider, just then beginning to ripen, at which time it was 
considered most delicious. About ten o’clock, when all had 
got sufficiently or insufficiently enlightened about their future 
fate, dancing began, songs were sung in turn, games were 
played until past eleven o’clock ; then the most important and 
exciting moment drew near. " Where have you put the look- 
ing-glass?” Willma was asked from all sides. "We hope it is 
in a very frightful place ! ” 

"I know you will be satisfied,” answered Willma, with a most 
mysterious mien. " You know, down in the front hall, that 
large, broad cellar-door? Well, after opening that, and step- 
ping down just two steps of the stone stairs, there is a narrow, 
little door in the wall ; that door I got opened to-day, had the 
dark closet swept out, and, on its back wall, is hung the look- 
ing-glass. Fastened to each side is a candlestick.” 

"Excellent!” "Won’t* it be very impressive?” and such 
like exclamations, followed this explanation. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


59 


"Now, let us get ready. We are seven girls, —a holy number 
into the bargain. Let us see, who comes first? Let Willma be 
first. She to go in, we after her, placing ourselves on one side 
of the wall.” 

"Very well, if you wish, be it so ; I shall look in first. It 
wants five minutes to twelve. Let us go downstairs. Give 
me a lighted candle that we may see the way.” 

"How the storm whistles !” said Bertha, after having reached 
the hall. "Let us bolt the front door.” 

" No, Bertha, you must not do so. You know that my father 
is at the club-house, and we might forget to unlock it again, and 
he would be unable to make himself heard, with us noisy young 
people upstairs, and the wind blowing outside. There is no 
danger ; the door is well shut. Come on.” 

Just on the stroke of twelve Willma lit the candles near the 
mirror, and her friends stood in a row along the wall. The 
storm roared outside the house, shaking the strong door, making 
it creak in its hinges, as if furious at the resistance, — a fitting 
night for mysterious goings-on like that in the closet, indeed ! 
Willma’s face looked as white as marble. Her dark eyes 
gleamed and sparkled in the light, as if her mind were greatly 
agitated. She hesitated to approach the glass. The others 
urged her, saying that they also wanted to try. She raised her 
head quickly, and looked straight and firmly into the glass. 
Why did her eyes dilate so widely, and her breast heave as if 
in fright? She raised her finger and pointed towards the glass, 
her gaze still fixed upon it, staring, as if fascinated by terror. 
The others also looked, and dimly saw, — the head of a man ! 
His pale face was framed into a large, black beard. The dark 
eyes seemed to look wonderingly into theirs, and the dark hair 
was covered by a large slouched hat. At last they heard a voice 
behind them saying, " I see the ladies of this city keep Sylvester- 
eve.” They turned around, and before them stood a gentleman 
wholly strange to them. He had drawn back into the hall in 
the meantime, and they followed him. 

"First let me apologize,” he said, with a polite bow, and 
smiling at their consternation, "for my untimely intrusion ; but, 


60 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


arriving this night by the diligence, and being a stranger in this 
city, I asked one of the clerks at the post-office- for some hotel, 
telling him that I was the future Director of the Institute, and 
wished to see Dr. Perclass very early to-morrow. He told me 
that, at this time of the evening, I would almost certainly find 
him at the club-house, and described the way to it. Either 
through my own stupidity, or some other cause, I missed my 
way ; but, passing this house, and seeing the door wide open, 
and a ray of light shining in the hall, I took it to be a hotel and 
entered. Thus it happened, ladies, that I was so unfortunate 
as to disturb you. I have now nothing else left, but again to 
beg for your forgiveness, and to recommence my wanderings.” 

"This is Dr. Perclass’ house,” said Willma, stepping forward, 
"and I am his daughter. The wind must have forced the door 
open ; but we thought it securely fastened. As for your apology, 
it is freely accepted. I regret that you got such a cold recep- 
tion in the city which you intend to make your home. How- 
ever, you will find it very pleasant here, after a little while, for 
we are hospitable people.” 

" I have no doubt of being charmed with the place if Miss Per- 
class condescends to permit me to count her amongst my friends. 
I wish you now good-night. I shall have the pleasure to wait 
upon your honored father to-morrow.” 

" If you do not mind going back the way you came from,” said 
Willma again, " and will walk a little farther on, you will reach 
the club-house, which is brightly lit up to-night.” 

"Thank you. Good-night.” 

" Good-night,” she said, shutting the door after her. 

"You are sure to marry him, Willma,” cried all. " Did you 
ever see anything so extraordinary? ” 

" Nonsense ! Very likely he is already provided for.” 

" It is time to go home now,” said Bertha ; " our servants are 
waiting in your kitchen, and may grumble if we keep them from 
their beds much longer.” 

Caps were put on, cloaks and shawls brought forward, and 
soon the merry party left the house. 

Willma went to her room, and, sitting at the foot of her bed, 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


61 


laid her head wearily upon the edge of it, sighing deeply. 
"Marry? I marry? with no heart to give,” she said sadly to 
herself; "yet I think it has to come to that, or else he might 
think I am still waiting for him.” She sat thus still for some 
time, until at last her eyes began to fill, and large tears chased 
each other down her cheeks. "I wonder where he is now,” 
she murmured. " Does he ever think of me? ” 

The wound was not healed yet, and was paining still, although 
no outward sign showed how desolate and blighted her life was. 


CHAPTER II. 

TEMPTATION. 

Next day, Mr. Horst, the new director, called on Dr. Perclass. 
They were a long time closeted together, andj after they had 
done with business, Dr. Perclass took the stranger to the sitting- 
room to introduce him to his daughter. "Willma, this is Mr. 
Horst, our new director. I understand, however, that you have 
met before, and, I believe, not under very dignified circum 
stances.” 

Both smiled at the allusion to the previous evening’s meeting, 
and Willma said, " I hope Mr. Horst will not think the worse of 
us for having allowed him to surprise us at such harmless 
amusements ? ” 

" Certainly not,” he said. "I was only sorry at having inter- 
rupted your pleasure. May I ask whether the oracle has given 
satisfaction to you all ? ” 

" This is just the point about which you have yet to be for- 
given,” replied Willma, laughingly. "Your arrival broke the 
spell, and when you left, the hour for consultation had passed, 
and as I was the first who had to ask the glass, the others had 
their pleasant anticipation baffled.” 


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MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


" Will you kindly undertake to make preliminary peace with 
your friends for me until I have the opportunity of doing so 
personally ? ” 

" With great pleasure, Mr. Horst, and I dare say your crime 
will be forgiven.” 

"I should be most unfortunate if it were not,” he answered, 
with mock gravity. "I see you are a musician, Miss Per- 
class?” he added after a while, looking towards the piano. 

" Yes, I play occasionally, though of late I have neglected my 
practice ;” and a sigh, accompanied by a deep sadness that passed 
quickly over her face, was wrung from her heart. "You sing, 
Mr. Horst, do you not? ” 

" Yes, I sing.” 

"Tenor?” 

"Yes. What makes you think so ? ” 

" I judge so from your speaking voice. This is very pleasant 
news. You must not omit to join our ' Sing Verein,’ and you 
must do so immediately, for we are now practising ' Haydn’s 
Creation,’ and are greatly in need of somebody to take the solo 
part. You will sing it, will you not?” 

" Who tells you that I can do justice to it ? ” 

"We can try at once,” was the prompt answer ; and, opening 
the piano, she gave him the music, saying, "Will you oblige 
me by singing ? ” 

"There is no resisting you,” he said, half amused, half aston- 
ished at the decisive manner with which she settled the question. 

"Well, then, begin;” and without another word, she struck 
the chords and commenced playing. He sang, and that with 
such a beautiful, decided tenor that she was charmed by it. His 
voice was sweet and tender, exquisitely soft and mellow, as if his 
throat were lined with velvet, and then, again, so round and full, 
so highly cultivated, that, after he had finished, Willma silently 
shut up the instrument, and looking dreamingly, as if still listen- 
ing to the beautiful sounds, said, "Mr. Eoth, our director, will 
congratulate himself, if you join our ' Verein,’ and we all will 
thank you also for gratifying us.” The sound of her voice was 
so true and her face expressed such undisguised approbation 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


63 


that Mr. Horst blushed like a boy at the praise, and could 
answer only by a bow. 

He was certainly a very handsome man, as he thus stood 
before her with the flush dying away from his delicate features, 
leaving them pale as marble, his winning eyes and wavy dark 
hair, his small, slight figure, with the elegant grace of good- 
breeding, and Willma could not help thinking so, still under the 
influence his beautiful voice had thrown over her. She did not 
notice a great drawback which one'of his features had, and which 
was expressed about his mouth, — that feature which gives even 
more expression to the face than the eyes, — great weakness of 
character. There was nothing bad in him, only he was weak, 
and it would be hard for him to resist temptation. 

What did he think of her, after he had said good-by, and her 
father had promised to introduce him to Mr. Roth? On reach- 
ing his room, he sat down near a table, and, supporting his head 
with his hands, remained thus a long while, lost in thoughts. 
At last he said, " She is beautiful, wonderfully beautiful. I never 
have seen a face that charms and fascinates so entirely. What 
if I should try to win her? This alliance would give me posi- 
tion, wealth, and a beautiful wife, — three things much thought of 
in this world, but ” — and a flush of annoyance passed over his 
face, as a small medallion, plainly set in gold, fell on the table. 
It was the picture of a girl of about seventeen years of age, 
frank, loving, and innocent. The childish brown eyes looked 
smilingly underneath a shower of long brown curls, and the small 
red lips seemed to be pouting at his thoughts. He took it up, 
gazed long and earnestly at it, and, pressing it to his lips, put 
it back from where it had fallen, saying, tenderly, " Louise, 
Louise ! sweet country flower, I will be faithful to you.” Then 
he got up and began to write rapidly. 

Mr. Horst soon joined the "Sing Yerein,” and also became 
a member of the club. There were now enough opportunities 
offered to him to get closer acquainted with Willma, if he 
wished. He saw her often at her own home, for in affairs of the 
Institute it was necessary for him to call on her father, but 
seldom finding him at home, found it pleasant to spend half an 


64 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


hour or so with his daughter, and as they had one interest in 
common, — that means, as they both belonged to the "Verein,” it 
was only natural that they should talk over this and that piece, 
about one solo part and the other ; or, as they both understood 
music well, and were passionately fond of it, it was a matter of 
course that they should tell each other so, and sing songs together, 
or lend newly published pieces to each other. Had any other 
young gentleman gone to Dr. Perclass’ so often, it would have been 
commented on, but with Mr. Horst it w r as a different thing ; either 
it was not noticed, or if any wise head thought about it at all, 
and suspected that the doctor might not always be at home, yet 
the new director was so fast becoming a general favorite, that 
many said they would not spoil his luck, for it would be an excel- 
lent thins: for him if he should succeed in winning Miss Perclass. 

Time passed on. Mr. Horst met Willma regularly at the 
" Verein,” and almost always at the entertainment given by the 
club, for she frequented them constantly, being sure there to get a 
glance at the face that was, and always would be, dearest to her on 
earth. How pale and thin that face began to look, and how those sad 
eyes haunted her after these occasions no one could tell, for, no 
matter how he might have treated her, she had given him her 
whole heart, and could not take it back ; and for those attentions 
she received, which gave Augustus so many a pang, and which 
he watched and made conclusions on with the jealousy of love, she 
hardly perceived them, and, if she did, attributed them partly 
to what a lady might expect from a gentleman, and partly to Mr. 
Horst being so well acquainted with her father. She derived 
pleasure from his society, and enjoyed his company and his fine 
singing, but not more so than she would have been pleased by 
the association of any other well-bred, accomplished gentleman. 
Augustus, however, took a different view of what he saw or 
he believed he saw*, and became convinced more and more 
that Mr. Horst was the man whom Willma would love by 
and by, if she did not already, and that the director would 
separate him from his love forever and ever. These thoughts 
and his delicate health made life dreary to him ; and although 
he was urgently recommended to try change of air, and he knew 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


65 


that he ought to do so, and fly from the tortures he had to sustain 
by his observations on Mr. Horst’s progress in favor with 
Willma, he still persistently refused to listen to reason, thus 
aggravating his illness, which reduced his strength and made 
recovery difficult. 

What were Mr. Horst’s thoughts and wishes all this time? 
Perhaps he could not have answered this question very readily, 
for in the presence of Miss Perclass he saw, heard, and thought 
of nothing but her. Her beauty charmed him, her manners 
bewitched him, and her conversation wove a spell around him, 
which he did not desire, even if he had had the power, to break. 
Leaving her, he would go home and dream of her until there 
rose into his mind a pair of brown and innocent eyes, casting 
(so it seemed to him) reproachful, questioning looks at him; 
then he would rouse himself, call himself cold-blooded and 
treacherous for forgetting one moment his sweet country flower, 
and, taking out the little picture, would look at it tenderly, kiss 
the pouting mouth until the trusting young face seemed to smile 
forgiveness, and then taking pen and ink would write rapidly, 
as if afraid that temptation again might master him. Those 
were almost the daily struggles he had to go through, for he still 
loved his absent little Louise, only the temptations were so great. 


CHAPTER III. 

LOUISE. 

An honest, hard-working couple lived at the place where Mr. 
Horst had been vicar before coming to Moosdorf. They had 
an only child, the pride and joy of their age. Louise was a good 
girl, repaying her parents’ love with fond affection. She milked 
the only cow they had, she brought the water from the well, 
and helped in all household matters to her utmost ability. She 
• 5 


66 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


could bake bread, and her brown little fingers could turn the 
spindle as cleverly as any one in the village. Every one loved 
her for her sweetness of temper and her innocent, gentle ways. 
She had grown up to be a very pretty girl, and was generally 
called the flower of the village. When she was between six- 
teen and seventeen years of age Mr. Horst came to the place as 
vicar. The first time he noticed Louise was in church on Sun- 
day, and the innocent child-face, which with its clear eyes looked 
so faithfully up to him and listened so devoutly to his sermon, 
attracted his attention. He met her again, in the fields ; she 
wore a wreath of wild flowers on her curly head, and was sing- 
ing along the road. He saluted her, and remembered long 
afterwards her shy, modest acknowledgment of his salute. 
Meeting her again, he accosted her, asked her where she lived 
and who were her parents. He walked a little with her, and 
drew her into conversation. Her quaint answers and odd ques- 
tions amused him, and he became still more interested in her. 
He visited her parents, and found them to be honest and re- 
spectable people who tried to do right and fulfil their duties. So 
it happened that he met Louise here and there, and soon dis- 
covered that she possessed rare qualities of intellect. He re- 
solved to teach her history and geography, beyond simple read- 
ing and writing, which she had learned in the village school. He 
spoke to her parents about it, and they were pleased that their 
child should become a scholar. Months passed on, and Louise 
proved to be an apt pupil, learning quickly and comprehending 
with astonishing rapidity. Besides history and geography she 
learned more, — they came to love each other, and confessed it. 
Mr. Horst made her parents acquainted with this their mutual 
discovery, and told them, that, as soon as he got a parsonage, 
he would take their daughter home, as his wife. The honest 
people had no objection to make, and said he need not be in a 
hurry, for they were glad to have their child a little while longer 
with them, and besides she was yet very young. So the two lov- 
ers were very happy. One day, a travelling artist passed through 
the village, and the vicar had Louise’s picture taken. Then 
their happiness was suddenly ended, and grief came over them. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


67 


The vicar read an advertisement one morning, that a director, 
recommended by good testimonials, was required for a Ladies’ 
Institute. He resolved to apply for it, but to keep his doing 
so a secret from Louise until he should know the result. His 
application was accepted, and joyfully he took the letter to her 
father’s house, to tell her of his good fortune. The good little 
soul looked on it with different eyes. He might be lucky in 
having secured this directorship, but they had now to separate. 
She would be left alone, and he would go to a large city, where 
beautiful ladies with their fine manners might make him forget 
his simple country-love. He would not see it in this light, how- 
ever. It was of course hard that they must part, he said, but 
then, that would be only for a short time ; he would come back 
and take her home, and then, as his wife, have her always with 
him. He would perhaps meet with some other ladies; but he 
could never find one whom he loved so much as his little country 
flower, who soon then would join him, and meet those dreaded 
ladies too. She must not neglect her studies, but should be 
very industrious, and so the time would pass quickly until he 
would come for her. Thus he tried to console her, until she 
smiled again ; and when, now and then, tears would come in her 
eyes, she would make an effort to suppress them, thinking of 
the happy future that was in store for her. 

The parting was over, and Louise felt very lonely. She tried 
her books, but they would not content her; she went the walks 
they had so often taken together, but he was not with her ; so 
she returned home to cry in her little room. Thus a week 
passed, and a letter, full of love, arrived, describing all that had 
happened to him, also telling her that he really had met that 
beautiful lady she was so afraid of, but that she could not drive 
his little Louise from his heart ; that he had her picture with him, 
and often looked at it, wishing she were with him. This letter 
brought the light back to her eyes and sunshine into her life again ; 
she would sing from morn till eve, and was as happy as the day 
was long. Then another and another letter reached her, and 
so on, each expressing his love and constancy, and always refer- 
ring to the coming time when she would be his wife. Then the 


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MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


letters grew shorter, giving as reason his having so much to at- 
tend to, and not mentioning a word about their future. This 
gave poor Louise a sharp pang, for which she began to scold 
herself the next minute, calling herself selfish and too exacting, 
but still the dull pain would often return. Another letter 
came, to receive which made her heart beat with joy, but, when 
read, would make her sad again, and tears flow from her eyes. 
At la6t she did not hear from him for weeks and weeks, and 
when her heart was heavy with woe, she began to tell herself, 
* that probably he was preparing everything, so as to come for 
her, or perhaps he was on the road already, while she all the 
time was thinking so ill of him. 

Days passed on. Carl Horst, her lover, came not. Then she 
ceased to hope, for she felt, that he had — forgotten her. 

One day, when she came home from one of her long, dreary 
walks, a letter lay on the table for her. With a cry of joy she 
took possession of it and went to her room. All at once her 
mother heard a cry and a fall ; hurrying upstairs, she found her 
child lying on the floor insensible. After some time Louise 
opened her eyes slowly, moaned, and shut them again. Having 
swallowed a draught of water, which her mother brought her, she 
raised herself, and, seeing the letter lying on the floor, burst 
into a flood of tears. "Mother, mother,” she cried, "he is en- 
gaged to another. I have nobody now but you and father; 
O mother, dear mother ! ” 

The next morning Louise came down in the room where hei 
parents sat ; her step was heavy and her eyes had dark rings 
underneath, as if she had not slept all night. "Louise, dear, 
how do you feel this morning ? ” asked her mother. Instead of 
an answer, the poor sweet mouth began to quiver, and wearily 
she sat on the bench, silently brushing the tears from her pale 
cheek. When the parents commenced to abuse him as a villain 
who had broken their darling’s heart, the little hands went up 
pleadingly, begging them to keep still and not to say one word 
against Carl. She had thought it over all night, and knew now 
that it was best so, for she would never have suited the position 
he would have raised her to ; her plain manners would always 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


69 


have been against her, and at last he would have been ashamed 
of his country wife. No, it was best as it was, and he knew it 
too, or else he would never have acted like this. She was not 
angry with him, oh, no ! and she only hoped he might be happy. 
At present it was of course very hard for her, but, — after a 
little while, — and her voice grew lower and more mournful, — 
when she got used to think of him as one belonging to another, 
she would be all right again. But they must never speak a 
word against him, for it would pain her. 

So her parents refrained from expressing the contempt they 
felt for him, and mentioned his name no more. 

Louise grew thinner and sadder every day. Nobody ever 
saw her smile again ; she did her household duties as before, 
but in a dreamy way that was heart-breaking to behold. She 
put the books he had bought her away, and with them tried to 
put away her love. 


CHAPTER IY. 

SORE HEARTS. 

Yes, it was true, that Mr. Horst was engaged to Miss Per- 
class. He had surprised her, one afternoon, by offering himself 
to her, and, although she was confused and embarrassed at first, 
she soon recovered, and answered him, that, if he could obtain 
her father’s consent, she would be his wife. 

This state, which is so particularly supposed to bring happi- 
ness to those most concerned, proved in this case to be an ex- 
ception to the rule, for neither Willma nor her betrothed derived 
much enjoyment from their engagement. One was tortured by 
the stings of conscience, for having faithlessly deserted a 
trusting and loving heart; and the other, by feeling indiffer- 
ent to what the future might bring her. Her mind was occu- 


70 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


pied with pictures of the past, and regrets for what might have 
been. Willma had promised to become Mr. Horst’s wife, 
because she had made up her mind that she would marry, if it 
were only to show Augustus that she was not grieving after him, 
and, when Mr. Horst proposed, she determined to accept him, 
as he was in every respect, as far as she knew him, an unobjec- 
tionable gentleman. So this hapless couple hastened on their 
marriage. Willma, because she told herself, that, if she should 
wait too long, she did not know what she might yet do, and 
Mr. Horst, hoping, if once the knot were tied, to feel more 
rest and less remorse. The wedding was to take place on May- 
day, and the preparation for it‘ occupied much of Willma’s time 
and thoughts. 

Augustus had heard of it, and was so violently affected by 
the news, that he broke a blood-vessel. He was in danger 
for several days, and then began slowly to recover. 

On the wedding-day he insisted on being conveyed to the 
house of a friend, from which he could see the procession to the 
church. His friends begged him to desist, and told him it might 
have the most serious consequences ; but all was in vain. He 
only smiled a sad, mournful smile, and insisted on having his 
way. At last they gave in. Having reached the house, he sat 
near a window, from which he could overlook the street and see 
the church door through which the bridal procession had to 
pass. There he sat, silently watching, until they came ; first, 
the little children, hand-in-hand, dressed in white, with flow- 
ers in their hair, carrying nosegays. Then the bride, lean- 
ing on the arm of her future husband, dressed in white satin, 
with a tiny myrtle wreath in her dark shining hair, and her 
bridal veil covering almost the whole of her exquisite figure, 
looking sad and pale, but still lovely, with downcast eyes, her 
dark long lashes almost resting on her marble cheek. On first 
seeing her, a scarlet flush had dyed Augustus’ pallid features, 
and after she had passed; when they wanted to ask him whether 
he felt strong enough to be taken home, they found that he had 
fainted. 

There was little time left for Willma, once married, to brood 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


71 


over her trouble, for friends began to pour in to visit the young 
wife, and presents were sent in daily, from those who had not 
been at her wedding. Those who had not been present had sent 

them, as is the custom, by their servants to the hotel at which 
the wedding was held, where the different gifts were distributed 
during the repast, that is, while the dessert was served up ; this 
contributing greatly to the general enjoyment and amusement 
of the day, as not only the happy pair thus receive presents, 
but- every guest is also remembered by his absent friends, and 
as very comical gifts are often sent, over the table , as it is 
called, there is much merriment going on during the des- 
sert. 

Weeks had passed on, and Willma had in a measure become 
contented with her new life. Her husband was attentive, and 
tried to please her in every way. It was a relief to her that he 
did not annoy her with caresses or tender words, but was simply 
courteous and respectful. She never asked herself whether he 
loved her or not. 

One morning, after Mr. Horst had gone to his school duties, 
and his wife had seated herself near the window, to employ her 
time with some feminine work, she was interrupted by a knock 
at the door. Thinking it to be some friend of hers, she called 
to come in, and was surprised when a man entered, dressed like 
a laborer. His face was careworn and browned by constant 
exposure to the sun. He asked after Mr. Horst, and when he 
was told that he was engaged at present, but might be called if 
he was wanted particularly, said, "I do wish to see him, for 
I come with a message from one who is dying.” He threw his 
swarthy hand across his eyes, as if brushing away some tears ; 

then, as if ashamed of showing emotion, he asked abruptly, 
" You are his wife, I suppose ?” After being answered, he said, 
" And you could have the heart to make him desert her, — my 
darling, my only child ! ” 

" What do you mean ? ” questioned Willma, surprised, com- 

ino- to the conclusion that she had to deal with an insane per- 

o 

son. 

“ What do I mean?” he exclaimed, maddened by her quiet 


72 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


manner ; " now dare you ask me ? — you, who stole him from my 
child ! Had you not enough, with your wealth, beauty, and 
fine friends, that you need to come between him and my darling, 
my sweet flower? How can you be happy, while she, the inno- 
cent, loving soul, is dying; ay, dying ! ” he added, fiercely; 
"because he deserted her, and deceived her trusting, simple 
heart.” 

"My good man,” Willma at last succeeded in saying, "you 
must be mistaken. My husband never told me that he loved 
another; or, surely, I should never have married him. Carl 
Horst is an honorable man, not capable of doing so mean an 
action as you would imply.” 

" What ! ” cried the infuriated father, " will you deny that he 
ever was vicar at P., and there met my child, made love to 
her, and promised to be her husband ? Will you deny that he 
came here to take a directorship, and wrote tender letters to my 
darling, which at first made her happy and gay as a bird, but 
later made her cry and grow sad ? Have you the face to tell 
me , her father, that she did not get that infernal* letter, in which 
he told her of his engagement? — after the receipt of which she 
never held up her pretty head again, never smiled, but drooped 
and faded away, until she could not leave her bed any more, 
and is now dying, — dying ! ” 

He pronounced the last word with a sob, his tears raining 
freely down from his eyes. 

Willma had, at first, listened in wonder, but as the truth 
broke upon her, she had sunk down on a chair, covering hei 
face with her hands, and murmured, " And he is my — hus- 
band ! ” Then, hearing the sob of the heart-broken father, sh<* 
got up quickly, went to him, and, laying her hand gently upon 
his arm, said, almost choking with emotion, "Poor father ! 1 
pity you from the bottom of my heart ; but look at me, and say 
whether I am not innocent of the wrong that has been done. 
Look in my face, and see whether you cannot believe me, if I 
repeat, that I never knew of this.” 

He searched her face long and suspiciously, and at last said, 

" Lady, I believe you.” 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


73 


"I thank you. My husband must be made acquainted with 
this at once.” 

" Of course, for I come on purpose to bring him to my dar- 
ling’s death-bed ; for, would you believe it, she wants to see him, 
and says she cannot die until she has done so. O la.dy, 
she is an angel ! She never was angry for his deserting 
her, and earnestly begged us not to say anything against him. 
She must always love him, she said, and she had forgiven 
him.” 

Tears were flowing down Willma’s cheeks, when she de- 
spatched a servant to her husband to tell him to come up. 
She found no words with which to console the unhappy father. 
When Mr. Horst entered the room, he started back in terror, 
on seeing the man, and, looking from one to another, as if to 
discover how much his wife knew, grew deadly pale on see- 
ins; her tear-stained countenance. 

"My darling wants you,” said the father, abruptly. "She is 
dying, and is constantly asking for you. Yes,” he added, under- 
standing Mr. Horst’s look, "your wife knows all. I have told 
her. I wrongfully suspected her of being the partner of your 
villany ; but I know now, that she, too, was deceived. I beg 
her pardon most humbly, for thinking so badly of her, and for 
having spoken so harshly to her as I did ; but I am sure she will 
forgive a father who is maddened by grief.” 

"Oh, do not speak of it. I it is who should ask to be for- 
given ! ” 

" Willma,” her husband said, coming towards her. 

"Do not touch me,” she cried, drawing back, as if from an 
unclean thing, " unless you wish to madden me. Is it not 
enough to know that you are my husband ? ” and she shuddered 
as she pronounced that word. " Go with him,” she added, fierce- 
ly, pointing towards the man, while her eyes flashed fire, and 
her face began to flush and pale alternately. " Go to the death- 
bed of the angel you have brought to an early grave. There is 
your place, not here, not here ! ” and, leaving the room hastily, 
left the two alone. 

" Come ! ” said the unhappy father, and Mr. Horst followed. 


74 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


A wagon waited in the street ; they stepped in, and drove rap- 
idly off. 

They went on, on, without speaking, the sorrow-stricken 
father now and then brushing a big tear from his cheek, while 
the other sat immovable, staring straight before him, neither 
seeing nor hearing anything. 

After a ride of two hours they reached the village. The 
wagon halted, and they stepped out. While the father put the 
things by, Mr. Horst stood, still half unconscious, looking at the 
familiar and once so dear objects all around him. The seven 
or eight months that had passed seemed like a dream, but now 
the awakening had come. 

There, to his right side, was the cool well, by which they used 
to sit, on evenings, while she, with playful -mirth, tried to 
sprinkle his hair with the sparkling waters, laughing merrily at 
his pretended anger when the spray sometimes wetted his face. 
Farther on, winding through bushes, meadows, cornfields, 
past hedges and shady trees, lay the lovely little path which 
they so often trod together ; he, her small brown hand in his, 
telling her of the bright future and his great love. To his left 
he saw the old parsonage, from whose windows he watched her 
flitting in and out, ever busy and careful to lighten her old 
mother’s work, and before him the neat little house, with its 
narrow, low door-way, in which she used to wait his coming, 
springing forward to welcome him, as he drew near. And now, 
how all had changed ! — the once light, graceful figure lay up 
there, thin and wasted, waiting for him too, — but how? And 
what and who had brought her to that? This was the hardest 
of' all. By his weakness he had allowed the world to come 
between him and his love, and he who had loved, ay, and who 
still loved her so truly, was her murderer. He on whom she 
had lavished her young and pure affection had brought her there. 
This thought was misery indeed, and it bowed his head and 
made his very soul tremble with anguish. 

" She is waiting for you,” said a low voice, and a heavy hand 
was laid on his shoulder. He followed up the stairs to her 
room. She lay on her bed, her eyes looking expectingly 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


75 


towards the door, and when he entered she stretched out her 
wasted arms, saying, "Carl, dear Carl, come to me!” One 
bound, and the two were clasped in one fond and last embrace. 
"I could not die,” she murmured, while looking lovingly into 
his eyes, "without you; but now I shall be gone soon. Put 
your dear, dear face close to me, and let me die with your 
beloved eyes again looking in mine. Oh, do not avert your 
face, and do not think that I was ever angry with you. No, no ; 
at first it was hard, very hard, to give you up, and to teach 
this rebellious heart that you were another’s ; but soon I saw 
that you were right. 

"Angel, I have brought you to this ! ” 

"Do not fret, darling; it is better so, much better, than to 
live on, for years perhaps, and not see you, while my heart 
would be longing and yearning for your dear face. Will you 
think sometimes of me, when f am gone?” 

"Always, dear love ; I always thought of you, and never put 
your pure face from my heart. See,” — drawing forth her picture, 
— "here I always have worn this.” 

A heavenly smile lit up her features, and she murmured, 
faintly, "True at heart! I knew it. True at heart, and now 
I must be quick,” — her voice growing weaker and weaker, — 
"those books yonder — you — know them, darling? — Keep 
them — for my sake — kiss me!” she whispered; "father — 
mother, forgive ” — and a fond look directed towards him fin- 
ished the sentence which the dying lips were unable to articulate. 

She had gone, and the three mourners knelt around her bed, 
and stirred not until the setting sun threw his last rays across 
the still form, and reminded Mr. Horst that his home was else- 
where. One long kiss upon the cold lips, one long gaze, full 
of anguish, upon the cold form, and he left the room. He took 
the road to Moosdorf, as if by instinct, reached his home by 
nightfall, and hastened to the room where his wife still sat, to 
tell her, he knew not what. Entering the room and going 
towards her seat, he was motioned back by a wave of her hand, 
and, without turning her face towards him, she spoke in a cold, 
measured voice, "I have taken your place in the classes, this 


76 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


morning, and gave fitting reasons for your absence to the other 
teachers. My father was here this afternoon. I told him that a 
dying friend required your presence immediately. This is all I 
have to say,” she continued, seeing him still waiting there. 

" Willma, forgive,” he said, with broken voice. 

" When you have forgiven yourself, then ask it of me, not 
before.” 

" She has forgiven me.” 

"Because, — she loved you,” she was going to say, but only 
said, " because she was an angel.” 

After that evening her husband never tried to broach the sub- 
ject, but treated her with such humble respect that people 
began to comment upon it, praising Mr. Horst’s devoted love and 
deferential bearing towards his wife, pronouncing her a cold- 
hearted being, undeserving of so much affection. They knew 
not how little Willma, at present, thought of their comments, 
or how little she would have cared for them had she been 
acquainted with them ; for a settled despair had taken posses- 
sion of her heart, making her regardless of everything around 
her. 


CHAPTER V. 

WATCHED. 

Clouds, only dimly visible at first, but increasing in size as 
days and weeks Wore on, appeared on the domestic heaven of 
Edward Arnold’s life, which, until now, had flowed on so 
smoothly and in every way so satisfactorily to both. Mrs. Marie 
Arnold was a good wife, as far as the phrase goes ; that means, 
she upheld her husband’s dignity in a manner altogether worthy 
of the training of her mother, and also, in a measure, of her 
aunt, now her mother-in-law. She was an honor to her hus- 
band’s establishment, and he was proud of her accordingly. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


77 


Mrs. Marie Arnold could say the same of her husband ; he had 
conducted himself as a very sensible partner, not annoying her 
with many caresses or tender attentions, to shock her ideas of 
how a fashionable husband ought to behave, but keeping strictly 
to the rules of the city coterie, neither expecting too much, nor 
giving too little. Then his brother Augustus began to be 
seriously ill, and Marie thought, at Times, that her husband 
occasionally showed signs of irritability, which left unpleasant 
feelings. Next, as time wore on, she was surprised by being 
answered in short words, bordering almost on rudeness ; all of 
which she overlooked with calm dignity, making no comments ; 
but, when his temper became worse, and sometimes outbursts 
of abusive language were the consequences of trifling causes, 
Mrs. Marie thought it time for her to interfere and to remon- 
strate with him. He then would apologize most humbly for 
any rudeness he might have committed, giving, as the reason 
for his changed manners, the increasing sickness of his only 
brother. His wife was pacified, and accepted this reason as a 
good one, and, for a few days, all went smoothly again. 
Edward’s manners became nevertheless still more surprising to 
her. Sitting at the window, or in a remote corner of the room, 
he would neither speak nor take- notice when spoken to. For 
hours, and even days, he would remain thus, without seemingly 
noticing anything. Marie, at last, alarmed at this strange 
silence, went up to him and touched his shoulder ; he looked up 
into her face long, and, as if trying to recollect himself, rose 
and quickly left the room. She spoke to her father about it. 
Dr. Gartner promised to watch him, without letting him know 
that he did so, and came at last to the conclusion that the dan- 
gerous state of Augustus’ health must have affected Edward’s 
mind. He told his daughter so, adding that he had never 
given her husband credit for such deep feelings, and advising 
her to try to divert his thoughts as much as possible from that 
subject. Marie tried, but did not succeed ; he did not want to 
be diverted, and continued to indulge in his musings, which 
now assumed a still more alarming aspect. Secure in his corner 
or hiding-place, he would now and then draw from his pocket a 


78 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


wine-flask, taking draughts after draughts from it, until, almost 
unable to hold himself straight, he left the room. His wife, 
watching him from where she sat with horror and disgust, after 
this secured the key to the wine-cellar, but won little by this 
act, for, like a maniac, he then ran about the house, until he 
had, by some means, got hold of another bottle of wine, which 
he would empty as before. These were trying days for Marie, 
who had to confess to herself that the time of a public scandal 
could not be very distant, for the servants began to whisper 
about the strange goings-on of their master. 

One night, when Edward had taken even more wine than 
usual, she was frightened, after she thought him fast asleep, by 
his getting up, throwing a dressing-gown around him, taking a 
light, and leaving the room. She waited anxiously for his re- 
turn. After an absence of about an hour he came back, put 
down the light, and went to bed. The next day at breakfast, 
she asked him whether he was ill last night ; he looked at her 
astonished, and, after she had told him the reason of her ques- 
tion, he seemed not to know at all that he had been absent from 
his room. Thus he acted three or four nights in succession, un- 
til she resolved to speak to his mother about it. This lady, not 
unobservant of her son’s unaccountable conduct of late, told her 
daughter that Edward very likely was a sleep-walker, advis- 
ing her not to stop him for a few more nights, if he should do 
so again, but then to ask her father’s opinion on the subject. 
Marie promised and waited. 

Mrs. Arnold herself intended to watch her son this very 
night. She sent the servants to bed early, and, pleading 
unusual weariness, said also good-night to her children. She 
dressed warmer, so as not to take cold, and waited, outside of 
her son’s door, in a corner of the passage. At eleven o’clock 
her vigilance got rewarded. His door opened, and Edward 
came out. She followed him, as he quickly passed her, and 
went up one flight of stairs after the other, until he opened the 
door of a little room at the top of the house, which he entered, 
luckily leaving the door a little ajar, so as to enable her to ob- 
serve his proceedings. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


79 


First, he pqt the light on a small table, then, stooping down, 
he drew fi;om underneath an old-fashioned bureau a bunch of 
old keys, selecting hastily the smallest of them, inserted it into 
the keyhole of the upper drawer, unlocked and opened it. It 
was empty. He searched a little while with his hand at the 
inside, when a kind of small trap-door fell down, and with, it a 
. bouquet of once white flowers, but now so yellow and dried up 
and withered that it was hard to distinguish what flowers they 
had been. Some leaves had fallen out, and the others were 
crooked and crumpled up, as if roughly handled. To the stems 
of the bouquet was tied, by a ribbon, a letter evidently never 
opened, for the old lady could distinctly see the unbroken seal. 
Edward first took the flowers, looked at them, turned them in 
his hand, and thrust them quickly up to the place from which 
they had fallen ; then he held the letter, which alone was yet 
visible, dangling at the ribbon to which it was tied, between his 
fingers, and, bending closer down, as if to decipher the address 
(for his mother saw his lips move), gave a short laugh of satis- 
faction, pushed that up too, shut the door, and also the drawer 
again, hid the keys, and took up the light, and the watcher out- 
side, knowing that it was time for her to retreat, had just time 
to reach a safe place, when he had commenced his wanderings 
back, and entered his bedroom as noiselessly as he had left it. 

Mrs. Arnold gained her apartment safely, but with a disturbed 
mind. What could all this mean? She was convinced that 
what she had seen had connection with her son’s changed con- 
duct, and that he had done some wrong, or had been injured 
and wrongfully treated. What was to be done? His wife must 
not know of this ; but with whom should she counsel ? If her 
son had been led to do some wicked act, for which he suffered 
now 60 severely, then nobody must be made acquainted with it, 
but there must also a way be found to bring him to confess all, 
and from that, then, to derive peace and rest of mind again. But 
how ? Thus the old lady mused all night, and when morning 
dawned she had come to the conclusion to go to her younger 
son, Augustus, and from him get advice how to act in this deli- 
cate matter. 


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MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


CHAPTER VI. 

DARKNESS FOREVER. 

"Mother dear, you look weary this morning, and you also 
seem preoccupied?” said Augustus, taking her hand in his,« 
and trying to turn on his pillow, so as to be able to observe her 
countenance more easily. 

"1 am worried and greatly puzzled. I have not slept last 
night for thinking how to move in a matter that disturbs my 
mind, and have at last thought it best to speak to you about it, 
thinking that you , perhaps, might suggest a way which would 
be advisable to pursue. Do you feel strong enough to follow 
what I have to relate, or shall I postpone it for a few hours?” 

" I feel quite able to listen to anything you have to say, 
mother ; therefore begin.” 

" Have you noticed something strange in Edward’s conduct 
lately?” asked she. 

"I see him seldom, but he certainly has seemed changed of 
late, and, I regret to say, for the worse.” 

" Quite right, — for the worst ;” and the old lady heaved a 
deep sigh. "Poor Marie has had a world of trouble, which she 
bears with admirable fortitude. It is needless to describe to you 
how your brother fell, — from bad got worse, — and now has 
come so low as to be constantly intoxicated ; he will not answer 
his wife’s questions, and, in fact, is now unable to form a clear 
idea. He also avoids me, and keeps out of my way as much as 
possible. Last night I discovered something, which does not 
exactly explain, but in a manner throws light on, the matter, 
and may give us a clue to his recent behavior.” 

She then went on to describe to Augustus the scene of the 
previous night, omitting nothing, and, having concluded, asked 
what he thought of the whole? She had been so intent on what 
she had seen, that she did not notice how her son had gradually 
grown pale ; how his eyes dilated, and his hands grasped wildly 
at the bedclothes ; how, as she came nearer and nearer towards 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


81 


the end, big drops of perspiration stood on his brow ; and how, 
when she came to where Edward handled the bouquet, and 
looked at the letter, his eyes shut and he fell back on his pillow, 
from which he had half raised himself in his excitement, while 
one hand was pressed to his heart as if in agony. So when, 
getting no answer to her question, she turned around to know 
the cause of his silence, she was shocked to see how frightfully 
her story had affected him. Rising hurriedly, she rang the bell, 
and despatched a messenger to her brother, Dr. Gartner. 

The physician sat with his watch in one hand, while the other 
felt his nephew’s pulse. Gravely he listened to his sister’s gen- 
eral explanation as to how this fainting spell had been brought 
on, never taking his eyes off the patient’s face during the whole 
narrative. At last Augustus opened his eyes, and, looking his 
uncle long and earnestly in the face, asked in a low voice, 
" Shall I never get well again? I now wish so much to live.” 

"My poor boy,” answered his uncle, ? 'you must first of all 
keep quiet, very quiet. You are young yet, and, although very 
much reduced in strength, if you will now act up to my advice 
as persistently as you have hitherto acted against it, we may see 
you, ere long, on your legs again.” 

" Are you in earnest ? ” and his eyes shone and his cheeks 
flamed. 

" Quietly, quietly, — this is not the way to recovery. Follow 
my advice, and some time hence we will speak again about this 
matter.” 

" I will do as you tell me, uncle, for I must live.” So saying, 
he shut his eyes, swallowing the drops which his mother held to 
his lips, and in a short time his regular breathing showed that 
he slept soundly. 

" What has come over him so suddenly, and what has changed 
him so strangely? He seemed, only a day ago, like a man 
tired of life ; and now his highest wish seems to be to live ! ” 

"I am as surprised as you are, brother,” answered Mrs. 
Arnold ; " but I can give you no reason. However, I think this 
reaction may do him good.” 

The doctor shrugged his shoulders, saying only, " Perhaps ; 

6 


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MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


we shall see in a few weeks ; but where there is life, there is 
hope.” 

Augustus slept long and undisturbed. When he awoke and 
had taken some medicine, he seemed much strengthened by his 
slumber. Seeing his mother by his side, he said, presently, 
"Mother, will you get those flowers for me?” The old lady, 
thinking that his mind was wandering, did not answer, but took 
his hand, gently stroking it to soothe him. Looking at her, and 
waiting for an answer, he repeated after a short time, but more 
eagerly than before, " Will you get the bouquet for me ? I 
must have it.” 

" Is this the way you keep your promise to your Uncle ? ” his 
mother said, reproachfully; "did you not promise him to keep 
quiet, perfectly quiet?” 

"And so I shall, mother ; but first I must see the flowers and 
the letter, — yes, the letter before all. After that, I shall 
behave in everything as my uncle wishes.” 

" I have been very thoughtless in telling you about the matter 
at all ; but I had no idea that this would excite you so fearfully.” 

"Fear not, mother; you have, I am almost convinced, done 
me the greatest service in relating these circumstances to me ; 
but you must now do more. You must get the bouquet and the 
letter for me. You must, indeed,” he continued, earnestly, 
seeing her shake her head. " You do not know how much depends 
on it ; my honor, perhaps my life, — my happiness ! You can- 
not understand me now,” he went on, quickly, " but I shall tell 
you, after I have seen them, all, — my fears, my hopes, and the 
reason of my request. If you do not fulfil my wish, mother,” 
he went on, while his eyes commenced to flash, and his face to 
flush, and his voice to tremble with inward excitement, "I must, 
weak as I am, seek for them myself, for the flowers and the 
letters I will have ! ” 

His whole aspect showed his mother that it would be better 
to acquiesce in his wish, for he seemed to be so greatly in 
earnest, that she was afraid of the consequences if she should 
hesitate longer ; therefore, forcing him gently back, she said, 
soothingly, " I shall certainly do all you ask, Augustus, if you 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


83 


only will be reasonable and collect yourself. You will do your- 
self great harm if you proceed in your wild ravings. I shall 
get the bouquet for you, since you deem it so necessary to your 
peace of mind ; but what you want to do with it, and why you 
ask for it in such an unaccountable manner, is more than I can 
understand.” 

"You will presently, mother; but wait one moment; only 
in one case you have to bring it to me, and that is, — if the 
letter is addressed to ' Miss Willma Perclass then, mother, 
then bring it quickly, for it is mine, — mine ! and I have been 
cruelly wronged. Now go, hasten and bring back this assur- 
ance, for my mind is in such a state of expectation, fear, hope, 
and — go ! go ! ” he almost shrieked ; " I can endure this 
suspense no longer.” 

Mrs. Arnold hurriedly left the room, telling the nurse, whom 
she found in the adjoining room, to remain with her son until 
her return. While passing a window, from which one could 
overlook the road, she saw her elder son shutting the garden- 
gate and walking quickly towards the city. Sure now of not 
being disturbed, she climbed the stairs that admitted her into 
the little room. There she had no difficulty in finding the keys. 
Selecting the smallest one, she opened the drawer, pressed the 
spring, and the trap-door fell down, and with it the bouquet. 
Turning the letter, she saw it was addressed " To Miss Willma 
Perclass.” A faintness came over her, her knees began to 
tremble, and with a terrible sensation she sank upon the nearest 
chair. Thus she remained for several minutes, asking herself 
what all this meant, how had Augustus known of this, and why 
he was so frightfully agitated? But her mind was too much 
disturbed to be able to discover anything ; approaching steps 
were heard, and she quickly left the room, taking flowers and 
letter with her. Hardly had she reached her own room, when 
she heard a yell from above, and, soon after it, Edward himself, 
shouting madly, and laughing wildly, rushed past her door, 
downstairs, out of the house into the garden. Terrified,' and 
anticipating the worst, his mother followed him, telling a man 
who was working there to go and inform her son that she 


84 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


wanted to speak to him. But no sooner did the man approach 
Edward, than he drew a knife from his pocket, shouting to 
him not to come near. Mrs. Arnold herself now stepped up to 
him, but his eyes gleamed so wildly and his features were so 
fearfully distorted, that she, too, drew back in affright. Doctor 
Gartner was called immediately, and pronounced him to be 
dangerously insane. He advised strongly to send him at once 
to an asylum, as he could not answer for the consequences if 
he was not put under strict watch. So the unfortunate young 
man was taken away. At times he would rave furiously, laugh 
and shout in high glee ; at other times he would sit quiet, 
chuckling to himself like an idiot, rubbing his hands, and 
smelling at his fingers as if they were flowers. He did not 
recognize his wife nor his mother, who sometimes were 
allowed to visit him, but cast malicious looks at them, growling 
angrily. 


CHAPTER VII. 

REVELATION. 

The misfortune which had thus befallen Edward and his 
family was kept from Augustus, as it would have been too 
great a shock for him in his present condition of health. He, 
therefore, was ignorant of the grief and sorrow which lay upon 
his mother, and she had to conquer her feelings, and sit quietly 
and collectedly by him, not daring to unburden her troubled 
mind. Thus it happened that he lay comparatively peacefully on 
his bed, pensively playing with the flowers and the letter Jiis 
mother had brought to him. Both had been silent for some 
time, for Augustus had related to his mother all that had 
happened since that first ball, and in particular how and when 
he had sent off the bouquet expecting such joyful results. He 
had dwelt on many a remark, look, or gesture his brother had 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


85 


then expressed, and which now revealed so much to him, and 
had hidden so much meaning, but had, at that time, been 
unnoticed by him. Mother and son had come to the conclusion 
that either jealousy, or revenge, or perhaps both, had so darkened 
Edward’s sense of right, as to make him forget his love to his 
brother, and his duty towards God. For Augustus had told 
his mother also the secret of his brother’s proposal to Miss 
Perclass. 

" Mother,” spoke the patient at last, "we cannot stop here. 
Miss Perclass must have thought me, all this time, a fickle, 
deceitful villain, who tried to win her affections, and, having 
done so, — for lam sure now that she loved me, — left her, 
rejoicing in my conquest. Therefore, to vindicate my honor, 
and show her that I did not act dishonorably, we must inform 
her, in some measure, of the facts. This bouquet and letter 
must be sent or brought to her now. What do you say to 
this ? Do you think with me ? ” 

An assenting nod was the only answer. 

”1 am glad we agree, but I am too ill to go myself, and 
even if I were able to do so, I must not. Therefore, mother,” 
— and looking pleadingly in her eyes, while taking her hand 
caressingly, — " do you understand me ? will you help me in 
this?” 

The old lady did not answer, for right and wrong, duty and 
pride, were holding a hard battle in her heart. What ! should 
she, Elizabetha Arnold, go to Willma Horst, daughter of him 
whom she had wronged? Should she , the proud woman of the 
world, have to go pleading for her child to his, and perhaps run 
the risk of meeting him there ? Oh, no, it had not come to that ! 
But was not her son’s honor at stake ? had he not been looked at 
hitherto as a villain, as a dishonorable man ? And by whom ? By 
his daughter, whom she in former days had wronged also ! and 
here, by her side, was not her son pleading with her, pleading 
with her to do her duty ? What if the struggle was hard, and 
the battle hot, she would and must conquer ; her pride must give 
way to right ! And so, at last, she answered again, as once 
before, "My son, I consent.” 


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MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


"Dearest mother, how happy you make me! But when?” 
he asked, presently. "Soon, mother, soon? You know she has 
thought ill of me so long ! ” 

" This instant, my son,” said she, and, ringing the bell, she 
gave orders to have her carriage brought round. 

" Mother dear, you must take letter and flowers with you ; 
you know best what to say, and how to say it, when you see her. 
And, mother, if she is cold and distant at first, take no offence ; 
think only how much wronged she thinks herself ; be gentle and 
forbearing with her ; tell her that this ought to have reached her 
on the date the letter bears, but that, by some sad and terrible 
mistake, it was kept back and found only yesterday. Tell her 
that I always loved her, loved her only — and — that I love her 
still. Although she has no right to listen to this now, still you 
have to mention it, to clear my honor, which she must have 
doubted until now. Tell her that it nearly cost me my life, not 
seeing the flowers in her hand on that memorable May-day ; but 
that now I wish to live, hoping that perhaps she once loved me 
in return, although she is lost to me for ever ; still I should live 
gladly with the assurance that her heart once was mine. 
Mother, mother, tell her all this ; do not forget one word, mother. 
Oh ! ” he cried, throwing himself back, " that I were able to tell 
her myself, — to see with my own eyes what her lips perhaps 
would not utter, but what her features would reveal ! ” 

" Good-by, Augustus ; the carriage is at the door. I shall 
remember everything and hasten back to you.” 

Willma was astonished when she saw a handsome equipage 
halt before her house, out of which stepped an old lady, entirely 
strange to her. Still more surprised was she when a card was 
handed to her, bearing the name, " Elizabetha Arnold.” Strange- 
ly agitated, she received the matron, for she knew that the mother 
of Augustus was before her. How lovely indeed ! thought 
the visitor, as she accepted the seat Willma had brought for 
her. 

"Iam not good in introductions,” said Mrs. Arnold ; " especi- 
ally in a matter like that which has brought me here, Mrs. Horst ; 
therefore I shall go into the subject at once, by giving you this ; ” 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


87 


and, producing the withered bouquet from her silk reticule, hand- 
ed it to Willma. Seeing her turn it and look at the faded 
flowers wonderingly, she said, "If the whole matter were not 
so sad and serious, I should be amused at your astonishment ; as 
it is, I beg of you to open and read the letter, and then allow 
me to give the message I am the bearer of. First, let me tell 
you though, that this ought to have been in your hands when 
the flowers were fresh and lovely, as the love is still which 
sends it now, but that, by some fearful mistake, which perhaps 
you will be so kind as not to wish to have explained, it was kept 
back, of which the giver of this was entirely unaware until a 
day ago. Now, my dear Mrs. Horst, be kind enough to read 
the letter, and send then, if you can, one soothing word to the 
sufferer, who perhaps has to give his life for the rejected love, 
as he then thought, he still bears for you.” Leaving her seat, 
as if to admire some flowers blooming on the window-sills, she 
kept a close watch over Willma’s every movement. 

Willma opened the missive, like one dreaming, and began 
reading it. At first her features showed no expression but that 
of wonder ; but- soon her lips commenced to quiver, and large 
tears rolled over her cheeks ; her breast began to heave, and the 
paper trembled. At last she cried out aloud, forgetting that 
she was not alone, "Thank Heaven that I loved an honorable 
man ! — Augustus, my love, it is too late — too late ! ” and she 
threw herself down on the sofa in a paroxysm of grief. She 
was startled from the abandonment of her sorrow by the noise 
of wheels on the street, and, suddenly remembering her guest, 
she hurriedly got up ; but looking around the room she saw that 
she was alone. She went to the window ; the carriage had driven 
off, and Mrs. Arnold was gone. Willma sat down again, 
greatly relieved at having a few hours to herself. She took the 
letter, reading it over and over again, rejoicing at every word 
of love that it contained, and at last wondering who and what 
could have prevented the sending it off at the right time. So 
great was her happiness at knowing that she had loved a worthy 
object, that she forgot that he was lost to her forever, and that 
she had hardly a right to rejoice at his love. Her heart got 


88 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


softened, and she resolved to tell her husband all. She was 
sitting, still thinking, the flowers before her, when he entered. 
Lifting her head she said, softly, " Carl, I wish to speak to you, 
if you have no other engagement.” 

" Certainly,” he said, eagerly, stepping forward, happiness 
beaming from his eyes. The tone of her voice was so different 
from what it usually was, and she had called him " Carl,-” — a 
thing she had not done since the day of Louise’s death ; there- 
fore, he sat himself down beside her, looking expectantly into 
her face, asking, " Have you forgiven me?” 

"I have,” she said, gently. He took her hand carrying it 
gratefully to his lips. 

" And now I want you to forgive ?ne.” 

He looked inquiringly up, saying, doubtingly, "You have 
not done wrong, Willma ? ” 

" Perhaps not,” she answered, smiling mournfully ; " not what 
the world would call wrong ; but what my conscience tells me 
now , since my eyes are opened and since I am happier. Carl,” — 
and the word made him tremble with inward joy, — " I have been 
unkind to you, unforgiving, unfeeling, at a time when sympathy 
would have been most precious to you. I forgot my duty, and 
I beg of you to forgive me.” 

"There is nothing for me to forgive. You have been wronged, 
and I never murmured at your coldness.” 

"Yes, Carl, I have been wronged, but not by you, — not /, — 
but by somebody else ; and now listen, and you will more readily 
forgive me, if you hear how my heart has been wounded and 
how sore and heavy was my trouble.” 

And she told him all, and when she had finished and showed 
him the dead flowers and the letter, he took her in his arms, say- 
'ing, "My poor wife, and have you no suspicion who it was who 
marred your happiness?” 

"I have, and I will mention to you and to no one else. You 
must know that Augustus’ brother also wooed me, long before 
Augustus had come back from his travels, but, knowing him to 
be a worthless coxcomb, I refused him. Now, it is very likely 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


89 


that, out of revenge, he acted thus, and the rumor that he is 
insane confirms me in my suspicion.” 

"You may be right, but let us bury our troubles, Willma, and 
bear patiently what cannot be altered.” 

"We will try to do so,” answered his wife, giving him her 
hand. "Let us never speak of it again.” 

"Never!” and so the two, so far apart in spirit until now, 
got reconciled, making good the proverb, " Trouble gives 
Wisdom .” 


CHAPTER VIII . 

GREAT CHANGES. 

"You come soon, mother,” said Augustus, looking anxiously 
into her face. "Have you not seen her? ” 

"I have, and said as much to her as I dared say to a married 
woman. I have also heard enough to satisfy you, and more 
than she would have confessed to me. Promise to keep quiet, 
and not to get excited, and I will tell you all about our in- 
terview.” 

"I promise, only do not keep me in suspense.” 

When Mrs. Arnold came to relate how Willma had called 
out, "Augustus, my love! too late — too late!” a peaceful 
smile lit up his features, and a sigh as of deep relief escaped 
his breast; he folded his hands as if in prayer, and lay thus 
for several minutes, occupied with his thoughts. Then he raised 
himself quickly, "And why is it too late, and whose fault is it 
that it is so? Where is he, who has also destroyed our happi- 
ness, and brought me to the brink of the grave? Where is 
he, I ask? Bring him here, face to face with me, that I may 
tell him of his wickedness, and make him give reckoning for 
his sinful deed ! ” 

" Hush, my boy ! — utter na word against your brother, unless 


90 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


you wish that every syllable would burn like fire upon your 
conscience ! Listen quietly, for you must hear now of the 
sorrow that has befallen us all. Your brother is no longer with 
us.” 

" Dead ? ” Augustus inquired in a whisper, awestruck by the 
solemn manner, as well as by the serious words, of his mother. 

" Worse than this. Your brother is — insane.” 

"What an awful punishment! Poor brother! poor Ed- 
ward ! ” 

Weeks passed on, while Augustus gradually grew stronger. 
Following minutely all the prescriptions of his uncle, it seemed 
as if he had determined to live. His one wish, his only thought 
was, to see her once more, if only from far; to read in her face 
that she no longer despised him ; after that, he would be cbntent to 
leave his home to live for a year in a warmer climate. Arrange- 
ments for his removal were already made. An old trust- 
worthy servant, who had lived in the family for years, and had 
carried his young master in his arms when a child, had been 
sent to Italy, to procure healthy and comfortable quarters for 
him who was to leave home at the beginning of September. 
Not, however, in a city did he design to take his abode, but in 
the country, where he could have the full benefit of the balmy, 
gentle breezes, and, surrounded by the beauties of nature in that 
sunny country, be able to pacify his troubled mind. So Frieder- 
ich, who in former days had visited Italy with Augustus and 
understood its language, went, provided with ample means, and 
had already sent word that everything would be comfortably 
established, by the time of his master’s arrival. 

It was the last Sunday in August ; a beautiful day, full of 
sunshine, inviting the admirers of nature to spend the hours 
amidst music, and under shady trees breathe the balmy air, 
loaded with the fragrance of a thousand flowers. Augustus, be 
sides the splendor of the day, had another reason for wishing to 
visit the gardens on that particular day. He hoped to meet 
Willma, and to say or look a last farewell before his departure, 
which was fixed now for the next Wednesday. He had informed 
his mother of his purpose, and she knew of no reason why he 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


91 


should not avail himself of the opportunity to enjoy his last Sun- 
day at home thus ; provided, as she said, he would use the car- 
riage in going there. "As you wish, mother,” he answered, 
and the matter was settled. 

With almost as much agitation as on that May-day, he entered a 
garden most frequented, and, passing from road to road, from one 
avenue to another, bowing here, greeting there, smiling towards 
that table at which some acquaintances were sitting, and speak- 
ing a few pleasant words to this passing friend, he was in the 
act of turning a corner, when a full voice arrested his step. 

"Ah, Mr. Arnold, out again? This is right, and will do you 
good.” 

" Doctor Perclass, how are you? I am glad to meet you.’’ 

" I have my family here. Willma, an old friend of yours, alive 
again. Carl, you know Mr. Arnold?” 

"I have that pleasure,” said Mr. Horst, returning Mr. Arnold’s 
salute. 

" I am rejoiced,” said Augustus, his voice slightly trembling, 
"to find you here, as it gives me an opportunity of saying fare- 
well to you all.” He looked full into Willma’s eyes, which 
shyly returned the gaze, while the flush, which had come upon 
her face at his unexpected appearance, paled at the announce- 
ment of his intention to leave his home. 

"Then you really are going to leave Moosdorf?” the doctor 
inquired. 

"Yes, I shall spend a year in Italy, and start on my journey 
next Wednesday.” 

" The best thing you can do, my friend, and what you ought 
to have done a year ago, let me tell you.” 

" I know it ; and have been often advised to do so by my uncle, 
but was wrong enough to neglect it. Now,” he added, with a 
meaning look at Willma, "I will do all I can to grow well 
again. I must say good-by. I hope, when I return, to see you 
all well. My mother will keep me informed of all that is going 
on here ; so farewell.” The others bowed, while the doctor 
took his hand, shaking it warmly, and, with one fond look at 
the dear face, now overcast with sadness, Augustus withdrew. > 


92 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


Willma had not uttered a word during the whole interview, 
knowing that if she had done so her voice would have betrayed 
the feelings of her heart. 

" He is a fine fellow,” exclaimed her father, after Augustus 
was out of hearing. " I hope he will get well again. It would 
be frightful for his mother, if she should lose both sons. What 
a terrible shock that must have been to her pride, — the insanity 
of her eldest ! I should like to know what caused it.” Willma 
exchanged an intelligent look with her husband. 

"I forgot to tell you, papa, that Mrs. Arnold visited me the 
other day.” 

" Indeed ? I never knew that you were intimate ; you went 
to school together, but still that signifies nothing.” 

"I mean old Mrs. Arnold.” 

"Mrs. Arnold was where?” exclaimed the old gentleman, 
loudly, entirely forgetting where he was., 

" In our house.” 

"Well, well,” said he, amazed. 

"Is this so very extraordinary?” asked Willma, amused at 
her father’s surprise. 

"Perhaps not,” replied he, recovering himself; "it depends 
only on why she came. It is strange that Mrs. Arnold, who 
goes almost nowhere, visited you, — do you not think so?” 

"It is, papa; and the reason was a very, very sad one, as 
you also will say, when you hear it ; but not here, — not here,” 
she said, hastily, seeing her father prepare to listen. " It is alto- 
gether too grave a matter to be talked over here. Take your 
supper with us, papa, and I shall tell you all. Carl knows it 
too.” - . 

" Of course he does,” her father said ; " why should he not ? ” 

"Why, indeed?” she murmured, looking at her husband, who 
laid his hand silently on hers. 

"Children, you both make such serious faces, which it strikes 
me are not appropriate to this place ; therefore I propose that 
we go home now and disburden our minds.” 

" Very well, papa, we are ready ; let us go home. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


93 


CHAPTEE IX. 

WIDOWED. 

Mrs. Arnold had received the first letter from Italy. Augus- 
tas had arrived safely, and was highly pleased with Friederich’s 
thoughtful and comfortable arrangements. The simple peasants 
were all that he could wish for, — honest, obliging, and atten- 
tive ; so, on the whole, he could assure his mother, that he felt 
contented. 

Several months had passed since the departure of Augustus. 
In Moosdorf the ground was covered with snow and ice, while 
in his southern home lovely spring weather was helping to 
strengthen his frame and to bring back the bloom to his cheek. 
Already, so said his letter, he could dispense with his carriage. 
He spent his mornings in exploring the neighborhood of his 
dwelling-place, in wandering through beautiful valleys, or climb- 
ing lofty mountains, enjoying his simple but nourishing meals, 
gaining strength daily, and feeling young and buoyant as of yore. 
Those were pleasant missives for the old lady to peruse, and 
with anxious heart she warned him not to overtax his strength, 
for fear their joy should again be turned into grief. 

While this family had cause for rejoicing, trouble had entered 
Willma’s house. 

Mr. Horst had gone out one afternoon to skate on the frozen 
river. A number of gentlemen were present, enjoying them- 
selves. Mr. Horst was known as a famous skater, and many 
eyes were following his light and graceful figure as it glided 
smoothly over the ice. Every one was in great glee, laughing 
and shouting were heard from all sides, until suddenly a piercing 
cry silenced all. All pointed to a large hole where the water came 
gurgling up, and where, just before, Mr. Horst had been stand- 
ing but now was not to be seen. Terror seized the whole 
company. Some went for ropes, but, when they were brought, 
it was too late. The ice was broken up around, and the 
body was found, stark and dead. A sad procession followed 


94 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


it to his house, whither a few gentlemen had hurried before to 
prepare, the bereaved wife. She stood in the hall, when the 
others arrived, carrying their burden. With a stony face and 
tearless eyes she looked upon him who had been her husband ; 
her lips moved, as if to speak, but no sound came from them. 

"Willma, go upstairs,” said her father, gently; but she 
heeded him not. Her eyes were riveted on the face of the 
dead, until at last she gave one fearful cry, threw herself upon 
him, and murmured, piteously, " Carl ! Carl ! ” Then her hands 
relaxed her hold of his, and she fell back insensible. 

Several weeks after this shocking catastrophe, Augustus 
received a letter from his mother, containing the sad news. 
Mrs. Horst, the letter went on, had been dangerously ill in con- 
sequence, and only lately had been pronounced out of danger. 
She had returned to her father’s house again after the funeral, 
and her sister from Rosenfeld was staying with her at present. 
It was said that Mrs. Horst would spend the rest of the winter 
in her sister’s home, to be removed from the place where she 
had sustained such a frightful shock. This mournful news 
affected Augustus greatly. He felt deeply for Willma’s suffer- 
ings. ’ Carl had been her husband, and, although she had not 
loved with the love she would have given himself, still she had 
felt that affection which mutual respect always commands when 
living in such close relationship, not to think of the fearful man- 
ner of his removal from her side. Augustus Arnold yearned to 
be with her now, to ease the burden she had to carry, and to 
show, by his devotion, how truly he loved her. But he knew 
that his wishes must be in vain. He was aware that now he 
must stay away even longer than he had intended, and that a 
year ought to pass before he should see his home again ; for to 
present himself to her before that time would be an insult to 
the dead, and he knew her well enough to be convinced that her 
sensitive feelings would take it as such. Therefore he resolved 
to remain in Italy for some time longer. 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


95 


CHAPTER X. 

RETURNING HOME. 

Augustus was expected home. Several days previous to his 
return, great preparations were made for his reception. So, 
when he at last arrived with the evening train, the house was lit 
up brilliantly. His mother, and the relations who had been in- 
vited to welcome him, greeted him warmly in the hall, leading 
him, congratulatingly, through passages strewn with green 
leaves and sweet flowers, underneath arches of wreaths, woven 
of shining grass and velvety moss, into rooms filled with 
fragrant, bright-hued bouquets. Joy and happiness surrounded 
him everywhere, and when, after he had changed his travelling 
suit, and stood again amongst them in full evening costume, his 
mother could nQt feel thankful enough that he was back with 
them once more, strong and hale, with the flush of health upon 
his brow, brightly flashing eye, and an expression of peace and 
cheerfulness upon his features which she had not seen there for 
years. 

Mother and son had much to tell each other the first two 
days after his arrival ; but to that , nearest to his heart, he never 
alluded; nor did his mother deem it right to speak about 
Willma, without getting encouragement from him. Then he 
had to pay the customary round of calls upon relatives, friends, 
and acquaintances. Thus a week passed by. His brother 
Edward continued in the same state of darkness, and no hope 
was held out that it ever would be otherwise. This was a drop 
of bitterness in the cup of his general satisfaction. 

Willma sat alone in her sitting-room. Her work lay untouched 
by her side, and a bouquet of old withered flowers rested in her 
lap. In her left hand was a letter, yellow with age, which she 
had just finished reading, judging by the tear-stained cheek and 
the sad look still riveted on the paper. Her thoughts were far 
away, and her head, supported by her right hand, was bent ten- 
derly forward, as if to inspect more closely the flowers before 


96 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


her. So it happened that she did not hear a gentle knock at 
her door, which stood half open, nor the soft step that drew 
near her. She was not aware that loving eyes rested wistfully 
upon her form, longing to clasp her to the heart proved so 
faithful for years. 

" Willma,” said a low, pleading voice. 

Nothing showed that she had heard, although, a slight tremor 
of joy passed over her frame. 

" Willma, I have waited so long and patiently for the answer 
of that letter you now hold in your hand, — have suffered so 
cruelly these weary years, — will you not answer me now, dar- 
ling, when I ask you again, 'Do 3 r ou love me?’ ” 

The beautiful head bent still lower ; tear after tear fell upon 
the paper. 

"Darling, do I not deserve to be rewarded? — or tell me, — 
tell me, — have I, after all, been mistaken ? For Heaven’s sake, 
what means this silence? Am I indeed — rejected? Canyon not 
be my wife ? ” 

No answer followed, but the bouquet was raised gently to her 
lips, and covered with kisses ; sob after sob came from her 
breast, too full with emotion to express in words the deep, undy- 
ing love that she had ever felt for him. 

" Mine, — mine at last ! My love, look up to me, and let me 
read in your eyes the ' Yes ’ your lips will not utter. ” 

Lifting her head tenderly he met a gaze, so deep, so full of 
devotion, and long pent-up feelings, that repaid him a thousand 
fold for all he had suffered ; while her sweet soft voice mur- 
mured : — 

" I loved you only, darling, always , — and love you still ! ” 

It was a happy couple that met Dr, Perclass, a few hours later, 
when he came home ; looking so different, he thought, from the 
pair that he had congratulated a few years back, in this same 
room. 

Different, indeed, — as different as Willma’s feelings were 
now to what they had been on tliat former occasion. That 
time, sorrow and despair; now, joy, happiness, light, and sun- 
shine. Then, the preparations for her wedding were a burden 


MARRIED AGAINST REASON. 


97 


to her, hurried on, in the hope to gain the peace of mind which 
her reason told her she would never get ; now, every little 
arrangement was pleasure, for he was ever by her side. The 
wedding was to be soon, not to dispel grief or sorrow, but 
because then they would be never separated ; they could always 
rejoice in each other’s company, forgetting, in their mutual love, 
the pain and agonies of former days. 

On the wedding day the bride’s eyes sparkled and shone with 
inward joy, and on the beautiful cheek rested a glow of entire 
happiness. On that day Wilhelm Perclass and Elizabetha 
Arnold forgot, in the bliss of their children, the wrongs of past 
days, and a warm pressure of their hands assured each other 
that all was forgiven. 

7 


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